124. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice for the up-to-date position on the roll-out nationally of distinct family law courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24875/25]

Sentiment score: 0.18

Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhbhrón le muintir an Gharda Kevin Flatley, a maraíodh go tubaisteach fad is a bhí sé ag freastal ar a phobail. The need for more suitable family courts has been well recognised. The Family Courts Act 2024 was a significant milestone in bringing about a much more appropriate system. Can the Minister outline the planned roll-out and implementation of the new family courts?

Sentiment score: 0.18

The Family Courts Act 2024 represents a radical change or overhaul of the system, possibly the biggest in over a century. I understand it will not be an instant, overnight change being implemented, but it would be a reasonable expectation that there would be a planned roll-out and a pathway to do this. I heard the Minister of State say that the Minister plans to publish on that by next January. Have the necessary commencement orders been made at this point? Also, as regards the people who will operate these new courts, will training be provided for courts staff and judges, and would the Minister of State see them as being dedicated to the family law service or shared back and forth with the existing system?

Sentiment score: 0.13

Clearly, it will take time to get all that up and running. In the meantime, there will be people still looking to use the current family law courts system. Is it planned to make improvements to the existing system while the new courts are being established? Also, have the necessary commencement orders for the new Act been made?

Sentiment score: 0.18