The appalling and degrading treatment of women who are mothers and their children continues in the family law courts with such vigour and determination that one would be led to believe it is the intention that this can and will continue, which it cannot. It requires now a preliminary inquiry to determine the extent of the problem and the length of time it is expected to continue when it is known it is unconstitutional. The rights of women are being trampled on in a way that has never been known or referred to publicly in my time in this House. It needs a preliminary inquiry to determine the extent of it.

The Deputy has raised the matter of alienation on a number of occasions both in the House and with me personally. It is fair to say there are different views on that matter. Ultimately, we cannot interfere in decisions made by the family courts. Perhaps the best thing I can suggest is for Deputy Durkan to engage with the Minister for Justice or perhaps even the Attorney General to explore the issue further. I am not entirely sure how it is best resolved.