Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has welcomed progress in the Hammond Lane family law court project.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has given formal notice of its plans to develop the new family-court complex and a design plan is now on display for the public in Dublin.

Teachta Daly said: 
 
“A number of courts, specifically to deal with family law issues are to be introduced as part of the Family Courts Bill 2022. The Hammond Lane site is a cornerstone of this and after a decade of delay, with the site vacant, progress is welcome. 
 
“However, I should repeat previous concerns regarding locations. The Family District Courts established under the Bill must be located in accessible towns, especially where there is a high degree of peripherality in counties such as Donegal, Kerry, Mayo and Sligo.

“Previous indications from members of the legal profession suggested some of these locations may lose out. 
 
“The Minister should clarify the matter, because having to attend hearings in cases where domestic violence and poverty are factors, having to travel a long distance from home with inadequate public transport links, will place significant strain on lone parents.
 
“Support services do need to be examined also, as whilst developing more suitable premises for family law cases is important, so much good and crucial work is done outside the courtroom.

“The Family Justice Strategy 2022 – 2025 speaks mostly of looking into support services and contains few commitments.

“Clarity there will also be crucial, as the development of children, equality for women and stable family life for all are all at stake during family law proceedings.”