Parental alienation reforms
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan urged action on parental alienation and asked for support for regulatory change. The Taoiseach said a report is due next week and the Minister will then be able to update the Deputy on wider family court reform.
I remind Members that we are back to the one-minute contribution. Deputy Ring was a little bit more generous in the Chair. I am not in the same generous humour.
Comment on this
The spectre of parental alienation still roams across the country and is being used regularly to inflict the maximum amount of punishment on parents and children and continues to be used with increased vigour. I have been promised by the Minister for Justice, who is well-meaning, that she will deliver with regard to a change in regulations to prevent this atrocity from happening. Will the Taoiseach lend his full weight and support to that proposal?
Comment on this
The Minister had a brief word with me on this issue today. I understand she is due to receive a report next week and hopes to be then in a position to better update the Deputy. This is an issue we take seriously in terms how the rights of children are protected and how the family courts are transparent, accessible and child and family-friendly. A significant area of reform is underway with regard to this. I will ask the Minister to update the Deputy next week.