The Courts Service welcomes the recent launch by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan of the Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024. Family Law reform has been a priority focus under our Courts Service Modernisation Programme for the past 4 years. Our approach to placing the user at the centre of reform aligns with the Minister’s aim to place the needs of children at the centre of family law proceedings through implementation of this Act.
Speaking about the Implementation Plan Emer Darcy, Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Reform, Courts Service said:
“We have established inclusive ways of working on reform over the past 4 years with all those involved in Family Law right across the system. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach with our internal and external colleagues, with the judiciary and the Department. We also welcome the phased approach agreed in the Implementation Plan. It reflects our modernisation approach to reform - minimising disruption to the courts, while introducing significant change with users for users.”
Darcy continued to explain:
“Our focus now is on the exploratory and preparation work needed for Phase 1 in early 2027. We have committed resources within the Family Law Reform team to specifically support the work needed for the implementation of the Family Court Act. Our priority is to work on finalising plans directly with those involved and with the Implementation Steering Group.”
Darcy concluded by saying :
“ The Courts Service welcomes every opportunity to work with those drafting legislation and policy to share our insights on the experience of those coming into our courts We have already been working closely with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration since the development and enactment of this Act. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach and working on the Implementation Steering Group."
