Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:29. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the implementation plan for the Family Courts Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35773/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 May 2026
Ceisteanna (29)
Freagraí scríofa
On 22 April 2026, I published the Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024. The Plan will result in some of the most significant reforms of the family justice system in the history of the state. The Family Courts Act 2024 is a key component of my Department's Family Justice Strategy and contains a number of provisions designed to make the family court process more focussed on the needs of children as well as user-friendly, safer and less costly.
The Act provides for the establishment of specialist family courts as divisions within the existing court structures, namely a Family High Court, a Family Circuit Court and a Family District Court, each dealing with family law matters as appropriate to its jurisdiction. Judges who have specialist training or experience in dealing with family law matters will be assigned to the Family Court divisions on a full-time basis, providing for improved levels of judicial expertise in family law matters as well as the streamlining of proceedings.
The Implementation Plan provides for a phased approach and sets out the first steps necessary to implement the Act. It is envisioned that implementation will proceed in three phases, allowing time and space to engage with stakeholders, evaluate progress, and identify any issues as they arise. A phased approach, which provides for both regional and procedural elements to commence at relevant points during the entire implementation process, has been deemed the most practical solution.
Phase 1 will commence in January 2027. Three locations will be initially selected to commence operating as family courts in the new system. Locations will require a Family District Court, a Family Circuit Court, and a Family High Court. Judges with specific expertise in dealing with families and family law matters will be assigned to these first court locations on a full-time basis. During this phase, the next set of locations will be identified, training will be delivered to targeted staff, and information and awareness campaigns will be conducted with practitioners. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to ensure challenges are addressed promptly.
Phase 2 is projected to commence in January 2028. Additional family court divisions will be added to those operational from Phase 1. Preparations will continue for the final roll-out to remaining locations in the third phase.
Phase 3 will see the full implementation of the Act and is envisaged to commence from January 2029. Additional family court divisions will be added to those operational from previous phases and additional judges with supporting staff will be assigned to family courts on a full-time basis. During the final phase, any last repeals and replacement provisions provided for in legislation will be prepared and commenced.
I intend to publish an updated plan before the end of 2026, which will set out a more complete roadmap for implementation. The updated plan will specify the first locations, the resources required for establishment, staffing, and training for the first operational phases, and greater detail on the remaining phases.