I bring to the attention of the House the scandalous situation of the treatment of women who are mothers who are going through the family law courts, wherein their rights are being abolished virtually. Under the in camera rule, they are being subjected to the kind of abuse that was used in prisoner-of-war camps in years gone by and which is totally alien to the Irish Constitution and justice system and to human rights. I ask that the present legislation which is going through the other House be expedited and, in the interim, that the use of the so-called parental alienation theory be abandoned.

The Deputy has had a consistent position and has raised this consistently in the House. As he says, there is legislation in the other House, which is subject to the rules and procedures in that House. Certainly I think everybody will be anxious to progress that legislation as quickly as possible. I will relate to and discuss with the Minister for Justice the Deputy's other comments in respect of general principles that are currently governing family law cases.