In the light of the Children and Family Relationships Bill that is wending its way through the Houses, will priority be given to the family court Bill which will be an important aspect of the changed environment Members hope to create? Second, I refer to the proposed Red Cross (amendment) Bill. The print media have been reporting on governance issues of late within the Red Cross. What is the status of the Bill and when might Members expect to see it published?

The Red Cross Bill is expected to be published later this year.

I had the Minister write to Deputy Robert Troy on 3 March about the family court legislation. The position is that the programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a dedicated family court to improve levels of judicial expertise and training in family law matters and to streamline family law proceedings. The Department of Justice and Equality is finalising proposals for future legislation based on submissions received on the family court and consultations are ongoing with interested parties. The Minister intends to bring forward proposals to establish it as soon as they are finalised. The Bill will then be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas committee. While I cannot give the Deputy a date, it is moving through based on the submissions received. I can also provide the Deputy with a copy of the letter sent to Deputy Robert Troy.