Mandatory mediation was an idea introduced by the former justice minister, Alan Shatter, who had also practiced family law. But they are now being considered by his successor, Frances Fitzgerald. Both married and unmarried separating couples would be given mediation under the plan. At present free mediation is offered but the system is subject to ‘huge delays’, according to the Independent newspaper. The number of people divorcing in Ireland more than doubled in Ireland between 2002 and 2012. 

Sea-change needed

Helen Collins, family law solicitor and campaigner for reform, said: ‘We need a sea-change in terms of separation and divorce. We need to move away from the adversarial model and support our families in a different way when they set about separation or divorce.’ Source: Independent