Madam, - Professor Gwynn Morgan is incorrect when he states that parties seeking a divorce have to attend a marriage guidance counsellor before securing access to the court. (Opinion & Analysis, December 3rd).
Sections 6 and 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 merely require that an applicant and respondent be made aware of the alternatives to divorce and be given the names and addresses of organisations qualified to assist in possible reconciliation or mediation.
In my experience, this may consist merely of a solicitor handing a client a copy of the Golden Pages.
The Act permits the Minister to establish a register of professional organisations whose members are qualified to assist parties in effecting a reconciliation. Sadly, the Government has not seen fit to implement this very constructive provision. - Yours, etc.,
KIERON WOOD B.L. Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.