Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the commitment from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, that he will bring forward legislation in the coming weeks to allow for greater transparency in family law cases.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor raised the issue of family law proceedings with the Justice Minister in the Dáil last July.

“I was delighted to hear Minister Shatter confirm at the weekend that he will introduce legislation following on from the Children’s Referendum to increase transparency where family law cases are concerned. The Minister stated that the ‘in-camera’ rule, during which family law and child care cases are heard in private, has been an issue which has concerned him for a number of years.

“It is essential that a balance is struck when dealing with family law and child care cases as the sensitivity of these cases dictates that the privacy of those at the centre of proceedings is protected. By ensuring greater transparency, however, cases will be subjected to an increased level of scrutiny by the public, allowing them the opportunity to understand how the Family Court works.

“The Children’s Referendum next Saturday gives us a chance to make a real difference to how children are protected and families are supported in this State and gives may children who are currently trapped in legal limbo when it comes to adoption, the chance, for the first time, of a second chance at a loving and caring family.

“The Referendum will also give children a chance to have their voices heard in family court proceedings where access, guardianship and adoption are concerned by taking account of their views, where it is appropriate and where the child’s level of maturity allows.

“The changes being made by this Government in terms of how are children are cared for puts them front and centre of decision making and prioritises their rights. The family is still acknowledged as the best place for a child to be, but in a small number of cases, the family environment is not a safe place to be. By casting a vote in favour of the Children’s Referendum this Saturday, we will be sending a strong signal to our young people that they really matter. Minister Shatter’s introduction of legislation to ensure a greater level of transparency in family court and child care proceedings will further bolster what is to become a more supportive and protective environment for all families into the future.”