Voice of the child in family law
Deputy Durkan said the voice of the child is still absent from family law reform discussions and asked for intervention to move matters forward. The Tánaiste said he was not being asked to interfere with the courts, accepted that the child must always be central, and said he would raise the concerns with the relevant Ministers and follow up.
The spectacular absence of the voice of the child continues in family law discussions, debates and deliberations throughout this country, despite the Minister's correct intention and indication that reforms are promised at the end of this year or in early next year, and despite the fact the people of this country passed a referendum underwriting the rights of the child and the need for recognition in that regard. The Tánaiste has personally indicated concern in this area. Can some intervention be made to encourage those currently involved in those deliberations to move in the direction required in accordance with the result of the constitutional referendum?
Comment on this
The Deputy has raised this issue previously in different ways and he has done it now in a way that has flummoxed me in terms of a response. I presume he is not asking me to interfere with the judicial arm of the State.
Comment on this
It always has to be, in any execution of public policy. I accept the Deputy's points on that and I know the Ministers for Justice and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are aware of his concerns. We will see what we can do and I will get back to the Deputy.