Over the past six months I have repeatedly raised the question of the plight of a large number of women the length and breadth of this country who find themselves subjected to extraordinary abusive situations whereby in many cases they are not allowed to meet or to see their children except by telephone. Nothing appears to be happening as a matter of urgency, but something must happen as a matter of urgency. Otherwise, this House will be turning its back on the women who are mothers who are being subjected to this treatment. I ask the Taoiseach or the Minister what action is proposed.

I thank Deputy Durkan for consistently raising this issue. I will make a number of quick points. First, we will introduce the Family Courts Bill into the Seanad this week. That is a really important reform of how our courts work in this regard. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, held a public consultation on the topic of parental alienation. We are currently reviewing all the responses. The Department of Justice has also arranged for a stand-alone piece of independent research on parental alienation, which I have now received. I have also asked my Department to prioritise immediately a review of section 47 of the Family Law Act. I will keep in close contact with the Deputy.