176 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the promised provision of counselling and mediation in relation to divorce will be forthcoming and in place on time in view of the fact that the legal structure for divorce is now in place and to ensure that the necessary balance is struck between the provisions for facilitating divorce where marriage has irretrievably broken down and the essential provisions to ensure that the State provides services to assist partners whose marriages are in difficulty to reconcile; his views on whether this was an unambiguous and unequivocal commitment given in the last divorce referendum; if he has satisfied himself that adequate free legal aid services are available to those who are seeking divorce but who cannot afford the legal costs to ensure that there is equity for all couples in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8346/97]

The Government stands by the commitment given in the lead up to the divorce referendum in 1995 to support the development of marriage counselling services and the Family Mediation Service. As indicated in "The Right to Remarry", the Government information paper on the divorce referendum published in September 1995, any comprehensive approach to tackling the problem of marriage breakdown must involve not only the introduction of an appropriate legislative framework and the upgrading of services provided by organisations which deal with separating couples, such as the Legal Aid Board and the Family Medication Service, but must also involve the taking of meaningful steps to support and enrich existing marriages. In that regard, increased resources have been invested in voluntary marriage counselling services provided by organisations, many of which have a long and distinguished track record in this country.

Following on my appointment as Minister for Equality and Law Reform, I instituted a scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage counselling services. Grants were first paid under this scheme in 1994 when £750,000 was expended. A similar amount was expended in 1995. Prior to 1994 these grants were administered by the Departments of Health and Social Welfare.