MARGARET ROCHE,
Madam, - Following the Supreme Court's decision that ex parte barring orders are unconstitutional, we urge the Department of Justice to amend the legislation immediately with the introduction of a time limit for which such an order may be in place and therefore continue to have this important remedy available.
There is a hierarchy of rights here - the "draconian consequences" as stated by Mr Justice Keane for a barred spouse to be removed from their home, or the danger to life or limb for a vulnerable spouse from a violent partner.
We also feel this case highlights the need for the relaxation of the in camera rule on reporting family law cases. If the public were aware of the reasons for making orders that affect family members, this might remove the substantial amount of rumour and misinformation surrounding this area. - Yours, etc.,
MARGARET ROCHE,
Chairwoman,
AIM Family Services,
D'Olier Street,
Dublin 2.