I raise again the issue of the use of parental alienation in family law in this country. It continues apace and results in the exclusion of children and parents from the family home with the clear objective of winning the case by using a legal formula that is not the creation of this House but that of case law. In many cases, parents, mostly mothers, are prevented from seeing or speaking to their children, other than by telephone. This is an appalling situation in which no regard is being shown for the welfare of the children. We passed a referendum in this country on the rights of the child. The Minister is about to change the rules. They need to be strong and firm and stamp out this practice. I ask that this be done soon.

I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this issue. I acknowledge that he has been raising and championing it for a very significant period and at every opportunity. As a result of his advocacy and engagement, the Minister for Justice has been working with her officials on a significant project in this area. As the Deputy has alluded to, important developments are due in this space shortly. I will ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to provide the Deputy with a written update.