Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1061. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the mandatory training judges, court-appointed assessors, and legal practitioners receive on domestic violence, particularly coercive control and post-separation abuse. [30506/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1062. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review and revise current safeguards against the misuse of “parental alienation” claims, which according to new research conducted by organisations (details supplied) are frequently used to discredit legitimate safety raised in Irish family courts. [30508/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1061 and 1062 together.

I have noted the research published this week by Women’s Aid and I have asked my officials to review its contents.

I welcome the report’s emphasis on the need to continue to implement the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025, the ambitious programme of reform which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children, who are central to many family justice matters. The actions within the strategy are aimed at ensuring the family justice system works better for all those engaged with it but particularly for those who need additional supports and protections, including domestic violence victims.

In 2023, my predecessor as Minister for Justice published a policy paper on the issue of parental alienation, which put forward six recommendations to address the issue linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy. They centre on progressing elements of family justice reform, building the system’s capacity to adequately hear the voice of children, and improve the knowledge, skills and experience of all those involved in order to make the best determinations in relation to each case on its own merits. This is especially important in high-conflict cases, in which allegations of parental alienation can often arise. These recommendations, and the plans for implementation were accepted by Government and are currently being progressed by my Department.

In line with the Family Justice Strategy, in October 2024, the Voice of the Child Working Group was established to take forward the recommendations of a wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process. These include the development of the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project and the development of voice of the child report guidelines and templates.

That review also recommended the development of guidelines for the use of welfare reports in family law cases. These reports can be ordered by the Court on its own motion or following an application of one of the parties, on any question affecting a child’s welfare in guardianship, custody or access proceedings. In July 2024, the Chief Justice established a Judicial Committee to develop these guidelines and its work is ongoing.

Additionally, a key action under the Family Justice Strategy was to review the operation of the in-camera rule in family law proceedings. A research team led by UCC undertook the review, which was recently published on Gov.ie. The report contains 21 recommendations and officials within my Department are working to develop policy proposals by the end of 2025.

The Family Justice Strategy also commits to establishing a Working Group to review existing training needs for those working within family justice and to develop effective and relevant training programmes. This Working Group was established in July 2024 and its work is continuing. The Judicial Council, which is independent under the Judicial Council Act, is responsible for all matters regarding training of the judiciary.