HSE director: Too many lawyers involved in child access cases

on 13/09/2012 09:52:08

The man in charge of child services in the HSE has called for further reform in the area of deciding child access in Ireland.

Gordon Jeyes said the views of the child should be sought on issues relating to them, and people should be listening to children.

He is more than 18 months into his term as National Director of Children and Family Services at the HSE.

Mr Jeyes said the approach to cases of access needs to be changed.

He said: "I think there is a case for further reform and I am glad to see the Government is committed in due course to moving towards a family courts system.

"At the moment, it seems to be too adversarial with too many lawyers practicing and honing their skills.

"Issues involving children are not black and white so it is right that the court should be involved in overseeing that, but it should be around the table as opposed to across the court."