The network of family mediation centres across the State offering free advice to separating couples is to be extended next year, writes Eithne Donnellan.
While the service is already offered at 11 centres in the east, south, west and midlands, no service is available locally to the people of the north-west. However, this is to be addressed in 2002, according to the service's first annual report. It hopes to establish a centre in Sligo.
A second centre is also to be opened shortly in Dublin, in Blanchardstown. The number of couples using the service has increased from 484 in 1997 to 1,200 last year. The most common problem experienced by all couples was communication difficulties.
Some 58 per cent of those who completed the mediation process last year - 736 couples - reached agreement on all aspects of their separation. Most were aged between 30 and 50 years. In more than 86 per cent of situations, the parents agreed either equal parenting or shared parenting.