The Cabinet has approved a new pilot programme to ensure the voices and views of children are heard in the courts system.
As part of Budget 2025, €3 million is being provided to establish a Children's Court Advocate Pilot Project and to implement a scheme to fund expert reports.
The measures follow recommendations published earlier this year in a review examining the role of such reports in the family law process. The reports can be ordered by the court on aspects of a child’s welfare or their views and wishes.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the reports can ensure the voices of children impacted by family break-ups can be heard and their needs safeguarded within the justice system.
She said her officials would be able to start developing a scheme to fund these reports from next year as the costs of the reports could be a barrier for some families.
Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell has established a Judicial Committee to develop guidelines on the commissioning, content and use of welfare reports.
A working group has also been established and will meet next week to examine the current arrangements for hearing the voice of the child in family law cases.
Minister McEntee said the measures were critical to ensuring a family justice system which was "more responsive, more consistent" and placed "children at its heart".
