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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Parental alienation in legislation

Summary

Deputy Durkan urged removal of references to parental alienation from judicial language, saying it harms women and public trust. The Minister said he looked forward to debating the forthcoming legislation and accepted the point generally.

Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

As we speak, legislation on the matter I will raise is progressing in the Seanad and will soon come to the House. I take this opportunity to ask the Minister to use his influence to strike from the judicial conversation and script any reference to the phrase "parental alienation", on the basis it has done nothing except destroy public trust, and the trust of women in particular, in the system, who have become victims of horrendous hardship as a result of it.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy. I look forward to the legislation coming to the House and debating it fully here. His point is very valid. I am not familiar with the exact details of the legislation but I certainly take his point on board.

Comment on this