During this period councils across Ireland debated the issue of child victims of parental alienation and the psychological and emotional impact of this behaviour on targeted children, parents and extended families. There were many heart rending stories, including lives blighted by the long term harm up to and including suicide and the concerns of the victims that the family law system, from courts to child welfare, social services, Gardai are others are not equipped to deal with this behaviour and often make the situation worse.
Original Motion
“___County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Please note this is a compilation of all the motions carried by the Council Motion calling upon The Irish Government to recognise and address Parental Alienation.
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
Office of Meetings Administrator County House Lifford 19 th November 2019 NOTICE OF MEETING A Meeting of Donegal County Council will be held on Monday 25th November 2019, at 11.00am in the County House, Lifford.
TO EACH MEMBER OF DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
Dear Councillor You are summoned to attend this meeting of the Council. The Agenda is attached. The Register of Chief Executive’s Orders will be available for inspection at the meeting.
Yours sincerely _______________ Joe Peoples Meetings Administrator
C/365/19 RECOGNITION THAT PARENTAL ALIENATION IS SUBSTANTIAL AND SUSTAINED DISSATISFACTION WITHIN THE CARE GIVER CHILD RELATIONSHIP ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT DISTURBANCE IN FUNCTIONING”
It was unanimously agreed to take Motions No 11 and 12 together. On the proposal of Cllr Harley, seconded by Cllr Gallagher it was resolved to adopt the following motion:- “Donegal County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver – child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October, 2019.”
Cllr Gallagher proposed the following motion on behalf of Cllr G Doherty. It was seconded by Cllr Harley and unanimously adopted:-
“That Donegal County Council calls on the Government to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11”
Cllrs Harley and Doherty received a response from the Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services in relation to the above. Cllr Harley said that this was an emotive issue and one which caused considerable heartache for many children whose parents had separated. Greater recognition was needed, he added, in relation to this problem which created the wrong environment for children to grow up in. He asked that the motions be brought to the attention of all Local Authorities and forwarded to the Ministers for Health, Justice, Children and Youth Affairs. Cllr Gallagher said it was imperative that the matter was addressed at national level for the sake of many children who found themselves in this situation through no fault of their own. There was no opposition to the motion.
The Meetings Administrator confirmed that the motions as adopted would be forwarded to the relevant Government Ministers
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER MEETING OF LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON THE 25TH OF NOVEMBER 2019
PRESENT: Councillor William Aird In the Chair Councillors Conor Bergin Paddy Bracken Ben Brennan Ollie Clooney Thomasina Connell Caroline Dwane Stanley John Joe Fennelly Catherine Fitzgerald Padraig Fleming James Kelly John King Seamus McDonald Paschal McEvoy Aisling Moran Tom Mulhall Aidan Mullins Mary Sweeney Noel Tuohy (19)
IN ATTENDANCE: Messers John Mulholland, Chief Executive, Gerry Murphy, Head of Finance, Simon Walton, Director of Services, Donal Brennan, Director of Services, Ms. Irene Delaney, Administrative Officer & Ms. Michelle McCormack, Executive Secretary.
Notice of Motion No: 67/2019 Councillor Aisling Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion:-
“That this Council calls on the Minister for Justice & Equality, Mr. Charles Flanagan, T.D., the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Ms. Katherine Zappone & the Minister for Health, Mr. Simon Harris, T.D., asking them to acknowledge PARENTAL ALIENLATION as a form of psychological, emotional and physical abuse and to call on all professionals and statutory agencies to respond to this form of child abuse like they would for all other forms”
This Notice of Motion was seconded by Councillor James Kelly. The Members were advised that a letter would issue to the Minister for Justice & Equality in this regard
CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of the December Meeting of Carlow County Council,
held in The Council Chamber, County Offices, Athy Road, Carlow, on Monday 9 th December 2019 at 2.00 p.m.
Present: Councillor J. Pender (Cathaoirleach) Councillor F. Browne Councillor J. Cassin Councillor A. Dalton Councillor M. Doran Councillor A. Gladney Councillor T. Kinsella Councillor A. McDonald Councillor J. McDonald Councillor K. Murnane Councillor C. Murphy Councillor J. Murphy Councillor B. O’Donoghue Councillor T. O’Neill Councillor F. Phelan Councillor A. Wallace Councillor W. Quinn (17)
Apologies: Councillor W. Paton Kieran Comerford, Head of Local Enterprise Office In attendance: Ms. K. Holohan, Chief Executive. Mr. M. Rainey, Director of Service. Mr. P. O’Gorman, Director of Service. Mr. M. Brennan, Acting Director of Services, Housing and Community. Mr K. Cullinane, Acting Director of Services, Transportation, Environment & Water Services. Ms. Fiona O’Neill, Acting Director of Service, Human Resources and Corporate Services. P. Delaney, Head of Finance. Mr. E. Lyng, Head of Information Systems. Mr. J. Shorthall, County Librarian. Ms. Martina Loughnane, I.S. Project Leader. Mr. P. Scully, Audit Committee. Mr. P.J. Leonard, Financial Accountant, Finance.
Members noted resolution from Donegal County Council –
calling on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver – child relationship associated 8 with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
9.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS WITH THE CONSENT OF THE CATHAOIRLEACH • Ambulance Service in County Carlow – to follow up with the Minister on Carlow County Council letter dated 22nd November 2019. • Parental Alienation – a call to support a motion passed by Laois County Council.
CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of Cavan County Council held on Monday 9th December, 2019 in St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre, Mullagh at 3.30p.m.
Councillor S.P. O’Reilly, Cathaoirleach presiding
Present; Councillors M. Argue, W. Bennett, C. Brady, P. Brady, B. Fay,
A. Fitzpatrick, J. P. Feeley, C. Kelly, C. Lovett, P. McDonald, P. McVitty,
S. O’Reilly, T.P. O’Reilly, T. Smith, V. Smith.(15)
In Attendance; T. Ryan, Chief Executive E. Doyle, Director of Service P. Connaughton, Director of Service B. Jennings, Director of Service L. McGavigan, Senior Administrative Officer E. McGinn, Senior Staff Officer
Apologies were received from Councillor S. Smith and Councillor P. Walsh.
MEMBERS’ ITEMS – DECEMBER
3. Parental alienation (The rights of both mother and father to child access in the event of separation)
Councillor P. McDonald stated that parental alienation often occurs during conflict separations and divorces where a child or children who would have previously had a loving relationship with a parent may for no apparent or justifiable reason reject that parent and that parent’s family. Councillor
McDonald proposed that Cavan County Council call on the Irish Government to make Parental Alienation an offence in Ireland and ask that they take action to address the abusive effects of Parental Alienation on Irish Children. Councillor P. McDonald noted that Donegal and Laois County Councils had already passed motions on Parental Alienation.
4. Cavan County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases, Version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
Councillor S.P. O’Reilly supported the motion and seconded Councillor P. McDonald’s proposal stating that he did not realise until lately that this was such a problem in Ireland. Councillor S.P. O’Reilly called on the Government to recognise that Parental Alienation is “substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases, Version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
The motions were supported unanimously.
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
Dublin City Council Monthly Meeting Monday
6 January 2020 COMHAIRLE CATHRACH BHAILE ÁTHA CLIATH Miontuairiscí Chruinniú Míosúil a tionóladh ar 6 EANÁIR 2020 i Seomra na Comhairle, Halla na Cathrach, Sráid An Dáma ag 6.15 i.n,i láthair an tArdmheara
Paul McAuliffe sa chathaoir Comhairleoir: Comhairleoir: Comhairleoir: Chris Andrews Daryl Barron Racheal Batten Janice Boylan Christy Burke Danny Byrne Mary Callaghan Hazel Chu Anthony Connaghan Keith Connolly Caroline Conroy Deirdre Conroy Donna Cooney Joe Costello Patrick Costello Hazel de Nortúin Daithí De Róiste Tara Deacy Kevin Donoghue Daithí Doolan Pat Dunne Anne Feeney Mary Fitzpatrick Declan Flanagan Terence Flanagan Anthony Flynn Mannix Flynn Mary Freehill Gary Gannon James Geoghegan Alison Gilliland Lawrence Hemmings Deirdre Heney Jane Horgan-Jones Neasa Hourigan Vincent Jackson Dermot Lacey John Lyons Tina MacVeigh Ray McAdam Paul McAuliffe Séamas McGrattan Rebecca Moynihan Críona Ní Dhálaigh Sophie Nicoullaud Naoise Ó Muirí Claire O’Connor Damian O’Farrell Colm O’Rourke Larry O’Toole Cieran Perry Michael Pidgeon Noeleen Reilly Nial Ring Patricia Roe Marie Sherlock Catherine Stocker Michael Watters Oifigigh Simon Brock Paul Clegg Ruth Dowling John Flanagan Owen P. Keegan Yvonne Kelly Brendan Kenny Helen McNamara Brendan O’Brien Coilin O’Reilly Eileen Quinlivan Kathy Quinn Deirdre Ni Raghallaigh Richard Shakespeare (64)
3 Correspondence (a) Letter dated 2nd December 2019 from Donegal County Council conveying the terms of a resolution passed at their recent meeting
calling on the Government to recognise the definition of Parental Alienation as coded by the WHO in the latest International Classification of Diseases Version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
It was moved by Councillor Ray McAdam and seconded by Councillor Declan Flanagan “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of this letter”.
The motion was put and carried.
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL
Louth County Council Monthly Meeting – Council Chamber – Monday, 20th January 2020 at 10:00am
Members: Councillors: Marianne Butler, Joanna Byrne, Hugh Conlon, Edel Corrigan, Tom Cunningham, Maria Doyle, Michelle Hall, Conor Keelan, Seán Kelly, Colm Markey, John McGahon, Pearse McGeough, Erin McGreehan, D. Minogue, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Declan Power, Tomás Sharkey, John Sheridan, Pio Smith, Jim Tenanty, Eileen Tully, Maeve Yore (23)
Apologies: Cllrs P. Bell, James Byrne, E. Coffey, P. McQuillan,
A. Watters
Minute No. 12/20 Notice of Motion
Proposed by Cllr. T. Sharkey Seconded by Cllr. T. Cunningham
“Louth County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality, and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship Cllr Pearse McGeough
associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019” which deals with parental alienation in family courts.”
The motion was agreed by the Members
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of Monaghan County Council held in the Council Chamber, Mtek Building, Monaghan, on Monday 6 th January, 2020 at 10.00 a.m.
Chair: Cllr S. Coyle, Cathaoirleach Present: Cllrs. Aughey, Bennett, Campbell, Carthy, Conlon, Connolly, Gilliland, Keelan, Kerr Conlon, Maxwell, McCooey, McElvaney, McKenna, O’Hanlon, P. Treanor, S. Treanor and R. Truell.(18)
Mr. E. O’Sullivan, Chief Executive, Mr. P. Clifford, Director of Service, Ms. P. Monahan, Director of Service, Mr. C. Flynn, A/Director of Service, Mr. J. Murray, Head of Finance, Mr. A. Hughes, Senior Planner, Mr. T. Gourley, Senior Executive Planner, and Ms. C. Thornton, Meetings Administrator.
Observers: Lynn McElvaney, Jenn Gonnelly (Monaghan Womens Network) and Paddy Grenham
Proposals arising out of correspondence:On the proposal of Cllr Connolly, seconded by Cllr S. Treanor
it was agreed that the Council adopt the motion from Donegal County Council,
calling on the Irish Government, Departments of Health, Justice and Equality, Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that parental alienation is “substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019
• Resolution from Donegal County Council regarding Parental Alienation.
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting of Council held at 2:00 p.m. Monday 27 January 2020 Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare.
Members Present: Councillor S Doyle (Cathaoirleach), Councillors A Breen, V Behan, A Breslin, F Brett, B Caldwell, B Clear, M Coleman, Í Cussen, B Dooley, K Duffy, T Durkan, A Farrelly, A Feeney, D Fitzpatrick, C Galvin, N Heavey, N Killeen, V Liston, N Ó’Cearuíl, V P Martin, P McEvoy, F McLoughlin Healy, J Neville, P O’Dwyer, T O’Dwyer, C Pender, R Power, E Sammon, P Ryan, M Stafford, M Wall, P Ward, B Weld and B Wyse. (36)
Apologies: Councillors A Connolly, P Hamilton, I Keatley, C Kelly and S Moore.
Also Present: Mr P Carey, Chief Executive, Messrs J Boland, T McDonnell, E Ryan (Directors of Service), Ms A Aspell and Ms S Kavanagh (Directors of Service), Ms F Millane A/Head of Finance, Ms C O’Grady (Meetings Administrator) Ms K Keane (Meetings Secretary) and other officials.
35/0120 Parental Alienation The following adjourned motion in the name of Councillor Behan was considered.
That the council call on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver – child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Behan and seconded by Councillor Dooley.
GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL
35 Councillors attended meeting
MM.01.20%20Signed%20.pdf
http://www.galway.ie/en/services/yourcouncil/meetings/councilmeetings/minutes2020/
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, CASTLEBAR, ON MONDAY, 10th FEBRUARY, 2020, AT 2.00 p.m.
—————————————————————————————————————————
The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. B. Mulroy, was in the Chair.
The other Councillors present were:-
Cllrs. M. Duffy, M. Loftus, J. O’Hara, A.M. Reape, S. Weir, G. Deere, B.K. Gavin, M. Kilcoyne, A. McDonnell, D. Sheridan, M. Burke, J. Caulfield, T. Connolly, J. Cribbin, N. Cruise, R. Finn, G. Murray, D. Ryan, M. Smyth, S. Carey, P. Flynn, C. Hyland, P. McNamara, J. O’Malley. (24)
The Council Staff in attendance were:-
Mr. P. Hynes, Chief Executive, Mr. P. Duggan, Dir. of Finance, Mr. T. Gilligan, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Condon, Dir. of Services, Ms. C. McConnell, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Magee, A/Dir. of Services, Ms. S. Kilcullen, A/Head of Enterprise, Mr. L. Hanrahan, Meetings Administrator, Mr. N. Sheridan, Sen. Ex. Officer, Ms. C. Kenny, Asst. Staff Officer.
(e) Proposed by Cllr. M. Loftus Seconded by Cllr. M. Duffy Resolved:-
“Mayo County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice
and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is
“Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019”.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
12 Councillors attended
Item 29. Parental Alienation. Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. S. Talty agus glacadh leis
“Clare County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Cllr. M. Howard outlined the background to this notice of motion and the impact parental alienation can have on children. The elected members thanked and supported Cllr. M. Howard for proposing this issue and it was noted that Clare County Council is the thirteenth Council to adopt this proposal to date.
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Cork on 24th February 2020.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir Mairtín Ó’Cochláin, Méara Chontae
Comhairleoiri Ó Muineacháin B, Ó Dubhghaill, Ó Sé J.P., Ó Murchú Gearóid, Críod, Ní Mhuineacháin G, Ó Luanaigh, Ó Cochláin M, Uí Loinsigh, Ó Luasa, Ó hAodha Padraig, Ó Múrchú Gearóid, Ó Cinnéide, Ó Madaoin, Ó Sé T, Léineacháin – Ui Foghlú, Ó Coileáin N, Ó Héigheartaigh, Ní hEachthigheirn, Uí Thuama, MacCarthaigh S, MacUaid, Ní Cheallaigh, Ó Cearbhaill, Ó Muirthile, Uí Chaochlaoich, Ó hAodha Pól, Uí Chochláin G, Ó Colmáin, Ó Murchú Caoimhín, Ó Suilleabháin S, Uí Shuilleabháin M, Ó Donnabháin, Ó Coileáin D, Ó Murchú P.G., Uí Mhurchú Cáit, Ó Conaill, MacCraith, Uí Daltún, Uí Bhuachalla, Ó Conchubair L, Daltún – Ó Suilleabháin, Ní Cheallacháin, Barra, Sheppard, Rasmussen, Ó Conchubair S, Ó Conchubair A, MacCarthaigh N, Ó Flionn, Uí Bhriain, Ó Laoghaire, Dawson, DeRóiste.
PRESENT Councillor Martin Coughlan, Deputy County Mayor, presided. Councillor Moynihan B, Doyle, O’Shea J.P., Murphy Gerard, Creed, Moynihan G, Looney, Coughlan M, Lynch, Lucey, Hayes Pat, Murphy Gearóid, Kennedy, Madden, O’Shea T, Linehan-Foley, Collins N, Hegarty, Ahern, Twomey, McCarthy S, Quaide, Kelly, Carroll, Hurley, Coakley, Hayes Paul, Coughlan G, Coleman, Murphy Kevin, O’Sullivan J, O’Sullivan M, O’Donovan, Collins D, Murphy P.G., Murphy Katie, O’Connell, McGrath, D’Alton, Buckley, O’Connor L, Dalton-O’Sullivan, O’Callaghan, Barry, Sheppard, Rasmussen, O’Connor S, O’Connor A, McCarthy N, O’Flynn, O’Brien, O’Leary, Dawson, Roche. (54)
Chief Executive, Senior Executive Officer.
PARENTAL ALIENATION: 17/2-2
Cllr. Gillian Coughlan proposed, seconded by Cllr. Liam Quaide
“Cork County Council calls on the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to recognise Parental Alienation as a child-welfare issue. Further to this, Cork County Council calls on the Government to implement the recommendations of The Report on Reform of the Family Law System, October 2019.”
During this discussion, the Members made the following points:
- 49,000 applications have been submitted.
- Parental Alienation should be recognised by Tusla as it is a child-abuse issue.
- There is currently no integrated service. Ancillary services should be under one roof.
- There is an extremely slow process in dealing with the Family Courts Service.
- There is lasting emotional fallout and the impact on children is a social justice issue.
- Support for parents’ emotional needs to be looked at.
- The Department needs to fund this support.
Members agreed to write to Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and request recognition be given to Parental Alienation as a child-welfare issue and to call on the Government to implement the recommendations of The Report on Reform of the Family Law System, October 2019.
Members agreed that the notice of motion will be circulated to other Local Authorities.
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of February Monthly Meeting of Westmeath County Council held at 3.00 p.m. Monday 24 February 2020
in Council Chambers, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Presiding: An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. P. Hill Members present: Cllr. J. Dolan, Cllr. T. Farrell, Cllr. J. Penrose, Cllr. L. McDaniel, Cllr. V. McCormack, Cllr. M. Dollard, Cllr. K. Glynn, Cllr. A. Davitt, Cllr. W. Collentine, Cllr. A. Duncan, Cllr. H. Smyth, Cllr. F. McDermott, Cllr. J. Shaw, Cllr. D. Leonard, Cllr. E. Wallace. (16)
Apologies: Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke, Cllr. J. Moran, Cllr. Frankie Keena, Cllr. Louise Heavin
Officers present: Mr. Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive Mr. Jimmy Dalton, Head of Finance Mr. Barry Kehoe, Director of Service Mr. Mark Keaveney, Director of Service Mr. Martin Murray, Director of Service Mr. Aidan Bass, Administrative Officer Mr. Paul McCool, Senior Executive Engineer Ms. Anne Galvin, Administrative Officer Ms. Geraldine Barden, Clerical Officer Also present: Joe Connaire, Chairman, Fleadh Executive Committee Supt. Alan Murray, Garda Síochána Inspector Jarlath Folan, Garda Síochána Imelda Bardon, Commander, Westmeath Civil Defence
9. Motions: Cllr Tom Farrell
“I propose that the Irish Government including the Dept of Health, Dept of Justice and Equality and Dept of Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation be recognised as a crime and form of child abuse. We ask them to implement Page 7 of 9 recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019, which deals with Parental Alienation in family law courts.”
Cllr. Tom Farrell presented his motion to the Members. On the proposal of Cllr. Farrell and seconded by Cllr. Dolan,
the Members resolved to write to the Departments of Health, Justice and Equality, and Children and Youth Affairs to request that Parental Alienation be recognised as a crime and form of child abuse.
LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Leitrim County Council held in the Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Monday, 2 March 2020
Members Present:
Councillor Enda McGloin Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Gerry Dolan Councillor Caillian Ellis Councillor Padraig Fallon Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Des Guckian Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Mary Bohan (Cathaoirleach) presiding (17)
Apologies: Councillor Felim Gurn Officials Present: Lar Power, Chief Executive Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Cultural Services Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services Samantha Healy, Senior Executive Officer Corporate Services and Housing Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator Kathleen Ellis, Assistant Staff Officer Bernard Greene, Senior Planner Justin Fannon, Senior Executive Officer Housing Capital Francis Gaffney, A/Senior Engineer Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer Shay O`Connor, Senior Engineer Una Wynne, Financial Management Accountant
MM.53.20 Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry:
“I request that Leitrim County Council call on the Irish Government’s Department of Health, Dept. of Justice and Equality and Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs to recognise Parental Alienation and provide expert professional structures and services to intervene wherever it is a problem. Parental Alienation is recognised by the World Health Organisation and is a crime in a growing number of nations. However in Ireland the Courts, HSE and Tulsa ignore its existence, meanwhile, it is destroying children and parent’s lives. Ireland needs to address this abuse and to enact legislation and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Councillor Brendan Barry gave the background to his motion and said that people in all counties are affected by this motion. 21 All members supported the motion.
Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry seconded by Councillor Padraig Fallon and
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:
“That Leitrim County Council call on the Irish Government’s Department of Health, Dept. of Justice and Equality and Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs to recognise Parental Alienation and provide expert professional structures and services to intervene wherever it is a problem. Parental Alienation is recognised by the World Health Organisation and is a crime in a growing number of nations. However in Ireland the Courts, HSE and Tulsa ignore its existence, meanwhile, it is destroying children and parent’s lives. Ireland needs to address this abuse and to enact legislation and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC OFFICES, NENAGH AT 11.00 AM ON 9 th March, 2020
Present Cllr. Michael Murphy, Cathaoirleach. Cllrs: Ahearn, G; Ambrose, S; Anglim, M; Black, T; Bonfield, F; Bourke K; Bugler, P; Burgess, D; Carroll, J; Coonan, N.J; Crosse, J; Darcy, G; Dennehy, N.; Dunne, D; English, P; Fitzgerald, M; FitzGerald, Ml; Goldsboro, I; Hanafin, S; Hannigan, J; Hanna-Hourigan, M; Kennedy, R; Lee, S; Lowry, M; McGrath, H; McGrath (Rocky), J; McGrath, M; Molloy, R; Moloney, A; Moran, E; Morris, S; Murphy, Marie; O’Meara, K; O’Meara, Ml; Ryan (Shiner), A; Ryan, J; Ryan, P; Ryan, S; Smith, M. (40)
Also Present J. MacGrath, Chief Executive, S. Carr, P. Slattery, C. Curley, K. Cashen, M. O’Connor, S. Keating, Directors of Services, L. McCarthy, Head of Finance, E. Lonergan A/Director of Services, J. Cooney, D. Holland, Senior Engineers, G. Walsh, Meetings Administrator.
Item No. 9.2 Notice of Motion Parental Alienation Motion No. 9.2 (1862) was proposed by Cllr. R. Molloy
“That Tipperary County Council calls upon the Departments of Health, Justice and Equality, Children & Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation represents a serious threat to the families of Ireland and are compelled to enforce its protection as per the constitution of Ireland and the European Convention of Human Rights”.
The motion was seconded by Cllr. P. English
It was agreed to forward the motion to the Department of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs for consideration and response.
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Adjourned March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 9th March, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT: Councillor Baker, Councillor Bree, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor Healy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Boyle, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Walsh.(16)
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise Mr. Dónal Tinney, County Librarian Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer Mr. Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator Ms. Mary Farrell, Assistant Staff Officer Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer
LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH: Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor O’Boyle, presided.
APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from the Cathaoirleach, Councillor MacSharry.
STUDENTS FROM I.T. SLIGO: The Leas-Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Sinéad Barrins from the Department of Social Sciences in I.T. Sligo and a group of Sociology and Politics Students who were studying the area of Local Government who were attending the meeting.
30. PARENTAL ALIENATION:
As Items 30 and 38 related to the same matter, the Cathaoirleach indicated that he would take both items at this time.
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire Seconded by Councillor D. Bree AND AGREED
And Proposed by Councillor D. Bree Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is ‘Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning’ as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ROSCOMMON ON MONDAY, 25TH MAY, 2020 AT 2.15 PM.
PRESENT: Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice PRESIDED
MEMBERS: Cllr D. Kilduff, Cllr T. Crosby, Cllr M. McDermott, Cllr A. Waldron, Cllr O. Leyden, Cllr T. Ward, Cllr N. Dineen, Cllr V. Byrne, Cllr I. Connaughton, Cllr J. Cummins, Cllr L. Fallon, Cllr J. Keogh, Cllr M. Mulligan, Cllr J. Murphy, Cllr J. Naughten, Cllr K. Shanagher and Cllr L. Callaghan.(18)
OFFICIALS: Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive Majella Hunt, Director of Services Martin Lydon, Director of Services Shane Tiernan, Director of Services Liam Bergin, Director of Services Patricia Bohan, Meetings Administrator Michelle Carney, Staff Officer Patricia Bohan, Meetings Administrator
53.20 NOTICES OF MOTION 53.20a 3.20 REFORM OF THE FAMILY LAW SYSTEM – PARENTAL ALIENATION – CLLR. NAUGHTEN
Reply from Meetings Administrator: This Motion requires a resolution of the Council On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Naughten SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh It was AGREED that
Roscommon County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
Meath Miontuairiscí / Meeting Minutes Ordinary Meeting 6th July 2020, Solstice Theatre @ 1.30p.m.
Presiding Councillor David Gilroy,
Cathaoirleach Councillors Present: Councillors Yemi Adenuga, Tom Behan, Joe Bonner, Mike Bray, Eugene Cassidy, Francis Deane, Aisling Dempsey, Seán Drew, Edward Fennessy, Brian Fitzgerald, Padraig Fitzsimons, Joe Fox, Noel French, Michael Gallagher, Deirdre Geraghty-Smith, Trevor Golden, Wayne Harding, Suzanne Jamal, Geraldine Keogan, Nick Killian, Alan Lawes, Paul McCabe, Elaine McGinty, Stephen McKee, Paddy Meade, Ronan Moore, Maria Murphy, Gerry O’Connor, Aisling O’Neill, Damien O’Reilly, Sarah Reilly, Tommy Reilly, Amanda Smith, Alan Tobin, Emer Tóibín, Sharon Tolan, Gillian Toole, Conor Tormey. (39)
Apologies: Councillor Niamh Souhan
Officials in attendance: Chief Executive: Jackie Maguire Directors of Service: Des Foley, Fiona Lawless, Barry Lynch Meetings Administrator: Robert Collins Senior Executive Officers: Larry Whelan
9.12 Submitted by Councillor Emer Tóibín
“That Meath County Council calls on the Irish Government to recognise that Parental Alienation is “substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a care-giver – child relationship associated with Miontuairiscí / Meeting Minutes significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases (version 11) and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System (October 2019).”
The motion was introduced by Councillor Emer Tóibín. The motion, proposed by Councillor Emer Tóibín and seconded by Councillor Noel French, was agreed
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
Fingal County Council Monday, 13th July 2020 at 5:00pm
Webcast
18 Councillor K. Power – Parental Alienation and recommendation 36 of the Report of the reform of the Family Law System.
Council consensus on motion (advisory note to government on motion)
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of South Dublin County Council July 2020 Special Meeting of County Council Meeting held on Tuesday 14 July 2020
PRESENT Bailey, C. McManus, D. Carey, W. Moynihan, S. Casserly, V. Murphy, E. Collins, Y. O’Brien, E. Costello, T. Ó Broin, E. Duff, M. O’Byrne, C. Dunne, L. O’Connell, G. Edge, A. O’Connor, C. Fay, S. O’Donovan, D. Hayes, A. O’Hara, S. Holohan, P. Priestley, W. Johansson, M. Seery-Kearney, M. Kavanagh, P.Sinclair, L. Lawlor, B. Timmons, F. McMahon, R. Tuffy, J. (30)
OFFICIALS PRESENT Chief Executive D. McLoughlin. Directors/ Heads of Function
Head of Finance L. Maxwell, F. Nevin, T. Walsh, M. Mulhern, C. Ward.
R. FitzGerald. Administrative Officer M. Reilly. Staff Officer Clerical Officer IT Support SordL. Abbey.
D. Murphy. R. Saiz. A. O’Brien.
The Mayor, Councillor E. O’Brien, presided. Apologies were received from Councillors K. Egan, T. Gilligan, P. Gogarty, P. Kearns, C. King, L. Kinsella-Colman, K. Mahon, L. O’Toole, B. Pereppadan and D. Richardson.
M9/0720 PARENTAL ALIENATION
It was proposed by Councillor F. Timmons and seconded by Councillor G. O’Connell
That South Dublin County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.
REPORT: If the Motion is passed, a letter will issue to the relevant Minister and the reply, when received, will be circulated to the Members.
A discussion followed with contributions F. Timmons, P. Kavanagh, C. Bailey, Y. Collins, S. Fay, J. Tuffy, T. Costello and L. Dunne
The Mayor the called for a vote by way of show of hands and the result was as follows:
FOR: 10 (TEN) AGAINST: 7 (SEVEN) ABSTAIN: 9 (NINE)
The Motion PASSED.
http://www.sdublincoco.ie/Meetings/Agenda/1940?p=1&t=1
KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL
MIONTUAIRISCÍ AN CRUINNIÚ DE COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHIARRAÍ A THIONÓLADH I LÁR IONAD SPORT, INSTITIÚID TEICNEOLAÍOCHTA, TRÁ LÍ, AR AN LUAN, 20 IÚIL 2020
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL
HELD IN THE KERRY SPORTS ACADEMY, I.T. TRALEE, ON MONDAY, 20 JULY 2020
PRESENT/I LÁTHAIR Councillors/Comhairleoirí Tom Barry Robert Beasley Michael Cahill Patrick Connor-Scarteen Brendan Cronin Charlie Farrelly Deirdre Ferris Jim Finucane Breandán Fitzgerald Fionnán Fitzgerald Seamus Fitzgerald John Francis Flynn Cathal Foley Michael Foley Michael Gleeson Donal Grady Jackie Healy-Rae Maura Healy-Rae Niall Kelleher Michael Kennelly Sam Locke Dan McCarthy Jimmy Moloney Marie Moloney Norma Moriarty Terry O’Brien Niall O’Callaghan Bobby O’Connell Michael O’Shea Mikey Sheehy Aoife Thornton Johnnie Wall (32)
IN ATTENDANCE/I LÁTHAIR Ms. M. Murrell, Chief Executive Mr. M. Scannell, Dir. Job Cr/Sust. ED Mr. C. O’Connor, Director Corp. Servs. Ms. A. McAllen, Head of Finance Mr. J. Kennelly, A/Dir. Of Service Mr. P. Neary, SE Water Services Mr. P. Corkery, Meetings Admin’r. Mr. L. Quinlan, SEO Human Resources Mr. O. O’Shea, Press Officer Ms. D. Griffin, SO Corporate Ms. O. O’Shea, CO Corporate Mr. F. Hartnett, SE Housing M. K. Lynch, SEO Housing Ms. C. Roberts, Fin./Management Accountant
The meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m. Cllr. Patrick Connor Scarteen, Cathaoirleach, took the Chair.
14. Parental Alienation Pursuant to notice duly given
Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald PROPOSED:
That Kerry County Council call on the Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019
in the immediate future. Mr. P. Corkery said this is a matter for consideration by the members. Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald said this motion is in relation to the recently published Report on reform of the family law system, specifically Recommendation 36. Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019. Legislation needs to be updated regarding Family Law. Cathaoirleach Patrick Connor Scarteen SECONDED this motion.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of Wexford County Council held on Monday 27 July, 2020 – 9.30 a.m.
in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.
Attendance: In the Chair: Cllr. G. Carthy, Cathaoirleach.
Councillors: BARDEN PAT DONOHOE ANTHONY MCDONALD LISA BELL MAURA FARRELL MARY MOORE JIM BOLGER ANDREW FLEMING JOHN MURPHY BARBARA ANNE BREEN PIP FORDE TOM MURPHY BRIDIN BROWNE AIDAN HEGARTY JOHN O’ROURKE JOHN BYRNE CATHAL HYNES DAVID O’SUILLEABHAIN FIONNTAIN SHEEHAN MICHAEL KAVANAGH WILLIE OWENS JACKSER CODD JIM KELLY LEONARD CODD-NOLAN KATHLEEN KENNY DONAL CONNICK ANTHONY LAFFAN GARY WALSH OLIVER DEVEREUX DIARMUID LAWLOR GEORGE WHELAN MICHAEL (31)
Officials: Mr. T. Larkin, Dep. Chief Executive / Director of Services Ms. A. O’Neill, Head of Finance Mr. E. Hore, Director of Services Ms A. Byrne, A/Director of Services Mr. D. Minogue, County Secretary
Apologies: Councillors: Frank Staples Joe Sullivan Officials: Mr. T. Enright, Chief Executive
Ms. C. Godkin, A/Director of Services
12.2 “Wexford County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognize that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Proposed by Cllr. L. Kelly, seconded by Cllr. F. Ó Súilleabháin and agreed
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of Longford County Council
held in Longford Rugby Club, Demesne, Longford on
Wednesday, 9th September 2020 at 3.00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________
PRESIDING: Councillor Paul Ross, Cathaoirleach.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors – Uruemu Adejinmi, John Browne, Seamus Butler, Mick Cahill, Mark Casey, Colin Dalton, Gerard Farrell, Gerard Hagan, Martin Monaghan, Colm Murray, Garry Murtagh, Turlough McGovern, Peggy Nolan, Pat O’Toole, P.J. Reilly, and Gerry Warnock. (17)
IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive. Mr. John McKeon, Head of Finance/Director of Services. Mr. John Brannigan, Director of Services. Ms. Barbara Heslin, Director of Services. Ms. Nora O’Farrell, Senior Executive Officer.
APOLOGY: Councillor Paraic Brady. MEETINGS ADMINISTRATOR:Anne Lee.
Parental Alienation.
The following Notice of Motion was proposed by Councillor U. Adejinmi and seconded by Councillor S. Butler –
“For Longford County Council to call on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Letters will be forwarded to the Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs, as requested.
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN WATERGATE THEATRE ON MONDAY, 19TH OCTOBER, 2020 AT 3.00 P.M.
Chair: Andrew McGuinness Cllrs: Michael Doyle, Pat Dunphy, Pat Fitzpatrick, Ger Frisby, Joe Malone & Eugene McGuinness (7)
Officials: Colette Byrne, Tim Butler, Martin Prendiville, Anne Maria Walsh & Kevin Hanley.(
10 (20) Cllr. Michael Delaney Cllr. Andrew McGuinness advised that he had received approval from Cllr. Michael Delaney to move this Notice of Motion.
It was proposed by Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, seconded by Cllr. Michael Doyle and agreed that:
“Kilkenny County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children & Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest in International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
LIMERICK CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL
An apology for her inability to attend the Meeting was received from Councillor O’Donovan.
Motion on Parental Alienation was passed on 19th October 2020 and below is correspondence relating to it.
DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of the County Council Meeting Meeting held in the Ferry Terminal, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM
PRESENT: Ahmed, Kazi Baker, Marie Brennan, Shay Clark, Michael Anne Colgan, Anne Dockrell, Maurice Donnelly, Deirdre Dowling, Eva Elizabeth Dunne, Daniel Fanning, Martha Fayne, Mary Feeney, Kate Fleming, Michael Gildea, Jim Grainger, Anna Halpin, Melisa Hanafin, Mary Kivlehan, Tom Hugh, Lewis McCarthy, Lettie McLoughlin, Sean McNamara, Frank Moylan, Justin Murphy, Tom Ni Fhloinn, Deirdre O’Brien, Peter O’Callaghan, Denis O’Connell, Juliet O’Connell, Maeve Ó Faoláin, Séafra O’Leary, Jim Quinn, Dave Saul, Barry Smith, Donal Smyth, Carrie (29)
Absent: McGovern, Lynsey, Blain, Emma, Hall, Lorraine, Kennedy John An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Una Power presided.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Philomena Poole (Chief Executive), Tom McHugh (Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Municipal Services), Helena Cunningham (Director of Finance and Economic Development), Mary T. Daly (Director of Corporate Affairs), Henchy Mary (Director of Planning), Langan Therese (Director of Parks, Community & Culture), Robert Burns (Director of Infrastructure and Climate Change), Leonora Earls (Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs), Pamela Graydon (Administrative Officer, Corporate Affairs), Jason O’Sullivan (Senior Staff Officer, Corporate Affairs) Ruaidhrí McLoughlin (Staff Officer, Corporate Affairs) and Anna Jenkins
(Assistant Staff Officer, Corporate Affairs).
C/494/20 (Agenda Item No. 64) Letter to Minister for Children, Disabilities, Equality and Integration The following motion was proposed by Councillor J. Gildea, seconded by Councillor P. O’Brien:
“That this Council writes to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs asking that a review of the legislation governing access for children to both parents following separation or divorce of the parents and furthermore to ask them to introduce legislation making it an offence for a parent to attempt to alienate a child from the other parent”
The motion was AGREED.
CORK CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF CORK CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER 2020
PRESENT Ardmhéara Comhairleoir J. Kavanagh.
NORTH EAST Comhairleoirí K. O’Flynn, J. Maher, T. Tynan, O. Moran, G. Keohane. NORTH WEST Comhairleoirí T. Fitzgerald, M. Nugent, J. Sheehan, K. Collins, D. Boylan. SOUTH EAST Comhairleoirí D. Cahill, L. Bogue, M. R. Desmond, K. McCarthy, T. Shannon, D. Forde. SOUTH CENTRAL Comhairleoirí M. Finn, D. Boyle, S. Martin, S. O’Callaghan, P. Dineen, F. Kerins. SOUTH WEST Comhairleoirí F. Dennehy, D. Canty, C. Finn, C. Kelleher, G. Kelleher, T. Moloney, H. Cremin. (29)
ALSO PRESENT Ms. A. Doherty, Chief Executive. Mr. B. Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive. Mr. P. Moynihan, Director of Services, Corporate Affairs & International Relations. Mr. G. O’Beirne, Director of Services, Infrastructure Development. Mr. F. Reidy, Director of Services, Strategic & Economic Development. Mr. D. Joyce, Director of Services, Roads & Environment Operations. Mr. T. Keating, Interim Director of Services, Housing. Mr. J. Hallahan, Chief Financial Officer. Ms. E. Roberts, Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Development. Mr. N. Carroll, Meetings Administrator. Ms. C. Currid, Staff Officer, Corporate Affairs & International Relations
6.11.2 REPORT ON REFORM OF THE FAMILY LAW SYSTEM
An Chomhairle considered and approved the following motion:-
‘That Cork City Council call upon the Minister for Health, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Minister for Children to implement recommendation 36 of the Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality’s October 2019 report on Reform of the Family Law System. Recommendation 36 is as follows: “The Committee recommends that consideration be given as to whether laws should be amended to take into account situations where one parent is wrongfully influencing their child or children against the other parent, thereby creating unfair and unwarranted alienation that can be destructive and life lasting.” (Proposer: Cllr. S. O’Callaghan 20/264)
WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL
COMHAIRLE CATHRACH AGUS CONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE – WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL RE-CONVENED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 24TH NOVEMBER, 2020 VIA ZOOM
PRESENT
Cllr. Ger Barron Cllr. Jason Murphy Cllr. Donal Barry Cllr. Pat Nugent Cllr. Liam Brazil Cllr. John O’Leary Cllr. Breda Brennan Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan Cllr. Declan Clune Cllr. Thomas Phelan Cllr. Joe Conway Cllr. Jody Power Cllr. Tom Cronin Cllr. Seanie Power Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness Cllr. John Pratt Cllr. David Daniels Cllr. Eamon Quinlan Cllr. Declan Doocey Cllr. Frank Quinlan Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald Cllr. Mary Roche Cllr. Susan Gallagher Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan Cllr. James Tobin Cllr. Jim Griffin Cllr. Adam Wyse Cllr. John Hearne Cllr. Eddie Mulligan Cllr. Joe Kelly (31)
APOLOGIES Cllr. Seamus O’Donnell
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE
Mr. M. Walsh, Chief Executive Mr. K. Kehoe, Director of Services, Corporate, Culture, HR & IS
Mr. I. Grimes, Director of Services, Housing, Community & Emergency Services Mr. F. Galvin, Director of Services, Roads, Water & Environment Mr. M. Quinn, Director of Services, Economic Development and Planning Mr. B. Pollard, Head of Finance Ms. H. Dunphy, Meetings Administrator Ms. A. O’Shea, Corporate
6. Motion in the name of Cllr. Thomas Phelan
“That Waterford City & County Council calls on the government to formally recognise the problem of Parental Alienation and to implement recommendation no. 36 of the Report on the Reform of the Family Law System, which was published by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality in October 2019.”
Reg. No. 164 (dated 29th October, 2020) Proposed Cllr. Phelan, seconded by Cllr. Pratt and agreed by all
20-%2024th%20November%202020.pdf
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE UÍBH FHAILÍ MINUTES OF FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING
OF OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL HELD IN ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, CHARLEVILLE ROAD, TULLAMORE ON MONDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2021 AT 2.00 P.M.
PRESENT: Cllr. J. Carroll, Cathaoirleach, Cllrs. C. Claffey (R), J. Clendennen (R), N. Cribbin (R), E. Dooley (R), N. Feighery (R), E. Fitzpatrick (R), J. Foley (R), M. Hackett (R), D. Harvey (R), J. Leahy (R), T. McCormack (R), R. McDermott (R), F. Moran (R), S. O’Brien (R), P. Ormond (R), D. Owens (R), L. Quinn (R) and K. Smollen (R)
IN ATTENDANCE: Ms. A. Delaney, Chief Executive; Mr. T. Shanahan, D.O.S. (R); Ms. S. Kennedy, D.O.S. (R); Mr. M. Connolly, H.O.F. (R); Ms. A. Dillon, A/D.O.S. (R); Ms. O. Cummins, A.O.(R); Mr. J. Cunningham S.E.E. (R); Mr. E. Fennell, S.E.O.; Mr. G. Bruton, A/ Meetings Administrator (R); Mr. R. Bell, H.I.S. and Ms. L.Carbery, C.O. (R)
On the proposal of Cllr. P. Ormond, seconded by Cllr. T. McCormack the following motion was considered
“Offaly County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to recognise that Parental alienation as a situation when a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019 now being reviewed by the Family Justice Oversight Group.”
A discussion ensued and many of the members expressed concerns with regard to the implications for domestic violence and felt they required more information in this regard. Cllr. C. Claffey advised the members that Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has set up a family law oversight group to investigate the implications of changing the law in this regard.
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Claffey, seconded by Cllr. K. Smollen the members agreed to withdraw the motion put forward by Cllr. P. Ormond and wait on the recommendation from the Department of Justice family law oversight group.
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
Wicklow County Council Meeting 25th January 2021
CATHAOIRLEACH: Notice of Motion number three is in the name of Cllr Tommy Annesley. There is no response. Cllr Annesley, can I bring you in on this Notice of Motion. CLLR ANNESLEY: When this motion came forward to me it was Christmas before 2019. I said I would put it on the agenda. I had to read it again and again and I found it hard to understand. I contacted the people that gave it to me and they sent me a terrible lot of documentation. What this motion is saying parental alienation happens in all walks of life. It happens in male and female, the separated people use the children as weapons against their spouse or their partner and since this motion has been put down a year ago, people have contacted me about this and I didn’t realise it was as serious in my constituency as it actually is. I have had four cases in the last six months about this, what is happening. So that is why I put it down, I put it down not really understanding it in March and I have learnt more, because every time I was supposed to be on a motion I was reading more and more on it. So it is, it’s in all of our areas, this motion to solve this problem and it was only passed by two councils in the last 12 month, sorry not in the last 12 months, but before I brought to Wicklow, since I brought to Wicklow, it’s been passed by every single council in the state, so we are probably the last council to pass this motion. It, I know the abortion clinic was very personal, but separation is very personal as well and the last people that should be upset in a separation is the children. I think we all agree on that one, but that is basically where this is coming from. Thank you, Cathaoirleach.
CATHAOIRLEACH: Thank you, Cllr Annesley, Cllr Annesley, you are proposing this Notice of Motion, do you have a seconder for it? CLLR FLYNN KENNEDY: I would like to second it, Cathaoirleach, if I could. CATHAOIRLEACH: Seconded by Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy. Are the members in agreement on this motion? Yeah. ADMINISTRATOR: I think, does Cllr Peir Leonard want to come in? CATHAOIRLEACH: Cllr Peir Leonard, did you want to come in. CLLR LEONARD: I want to commend Tommy on putting this forward. I think that nobody wins when kids are alienating. Kids neat both their parent, mother and father and people need to sometimes put their differences aside and see the bigger picture and move forward. So I totally support this motion and well done, Tommy.
CATHAOIRLEACH: Pat Fitzgerald. CLLR FITZGERALD: I just want to support the motion and I have been talking to Cllr Annesley about it. Unfortunately I am well aware of it on a
personal level and how it is affecting children, psychological manipulation of children. We certainly need to look at civil and criminal legislation because the impact on children is horrendous. As I say, I am well aware, since Cllr Annesley spoke to me about this motion in, even in the Arklow area and further afield how children are being manipulated by one side or the other and certainly people get away lightly and we all know where things are being said about the husband or the mother or the father and certainly the incidence of it are substantially increasing and it gives me, at times when I listen to it, it really is heart-breaking to see the way the kid has been manipulated to make accusations against the mother or father. I think was it in the Seanad recently it was discussed and I think it needs to be looked at by our legislators and we need to get something done to stop it, because in some cases there are people who are suicidal because of it. I could say I know some people who are having huge mental issues because the child has been manipulated and it needs to be looked as it has been in other countries.
CATHAOIRLEACH: I think we are all in agreement with it anyway, it’s passed. So thank you, Cllr Annesley. CLLR ANNESLEY: Thank you.
GALWAY CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Ordinary February Meeting of Galway City Council held virtually on zoom platform on Monday 8th February, 2021 at 3.00 p.m.
Presiding: Cllr. M. Cubbard, Mayor of the City of Galway Present: Councillors: I. Byrne, A. Cheevers, C. Connolly, J. Connolly, M.J. Crowe, F. Fahy, O. Hanley, C. Higgins, E. Hoare, P. Keane, N. Larkin, D. Lyons, D. McDonnell, N. McNelis, N. Murphy, M. O’Connor & T. O’Flaherty (18)
In Attendance: Mr. B. McGrath, Chief Executive Ms. R. McNally, Director of Services Mr. D. Mahon, A/Director of Services Mr. B. Barrett, A/Director of Services Mr. D. Smyth, A/Head of Finance Ms. C. Phelan, Senior Planner Ms. H. Coleman, Senior Executive Planner Ms. K. Moloney, Assistant Planner Ms. E. Fanning, A/Senior Engineer Ms. C. Kilcoyne, Senior Engineer Mr. U. Finn, Senior Engineer Ms. H. Martyn, A/Senior Executive Officer Mr. C. Kelly, A/Senior Executive Officer Mr. C. O’Riordan, Senior Executive Engineer Mr. G. McMahon, Meetings Administrator Ms. A. Rohan, Administrative Officer Ms. G. Reilly, Clerical
Mayor Cubbard referred to NOM 3/20201 submitted by Cllr. F. Fahy to be considered by Council under Standing Order no. 34 as a motion for purpose of dealing with urgent business. Councillors discussed the motion and individual matters raised included that the Government is currently implementing recommendation no. 36. Cllr. J. Connolly requested that recommendation no. 10 also be included in the motion ‘the Committee recommends the employment of specialist child court liaison officers to provide procedural information and support to children and families during the course of family law proceedings’.
Cllr. F. Fahy agreed to add the addition of recommendation no. 10 to the wording of the original motion. Mr. G. McMahon, Meetings Administrator proceeded to read the motion:
NOM 3/2021 Notice given by: Cllr. F. Fahy Seconded by: Cllr. D. Lyons Date Received: 27th January 2021 Supported by: Cllrs. C. Connolly, M. Cubbard, C. Higgins, E. Hoare, N. McNelis, N. Murphy, M. O’Connor & T. O’Flaherty.
“Galway City Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to recognise that Parental alienation is a situation when a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent and to implement recommendation no. 10 and 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019 now being reviewed by the Family Justice Oversight Group.”
The Motion was agreed and passed. https://www.galwaycity.ie/council-meetings
THE STORY OF THE PARENTAL ALIENATION COUNCIL CAMPAIGN
The story begins in the mid 2000s when Forever Fathers in Donegal was formed because of the inequality of Fathers parental rights and issues such as parental alienation. The group undertook many activities but one of its greatest successes was to help create a play about a Father being blocked from accessing his son that was covered on national RTE TV channel called a ‘Far Cry’ written by Jonathon Burgess https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k-V9tR8beo&feature=youtu.be. One of the founders of the group took a break from it for a few years to return to help them out. He found out that there was no change in Father’s situation relating to Parental Alientaion. As part of an online campaigning course project he set up a petition on Uplift.ie to ‘make Parental Alienation a Crime in Ireland’. The Uplift.ie Petition commenced in October 2018 and it needed to help publicise Parental Alienation to become a political issue. Through this petition campaign alienated Parents mothers, fathers and grandparents who wanted change throughout Ireland were able to communicate and share issues and information.
The idea of the Council Motion campaign came about from learning that in the 2018 Irish presidential campaign potential candidates could be nominated as official candidates if selected by a number of councils. A meeting between the parental alienation petition campaigner and an ex county councillor and mayor, who was sympathetic to the need to address PA. confirmed that with the correct motion the council could vote asking the Irish national government to address PA and that this motion would then be automatically circulated by the Council to all the other Councils in Ireland. This idea was shared with Brian O’Sullivan Parental Alienation Europe, Dublin and also to Donna Maria Logue of La Dolce Vita Project (a non gender anti domestic abuse organisation), Derry City, Northern Ireland who are both advocates and campaigners against parental alienation.
After meeting with members of La Dolce Vita Project at the Trinity College Parental Alienation Conference on 23rd May 2019, Forever Fathers in Donegal invited LDVP to speak at the first ever public PA talk in Donegal called ’Understanding Parental Alienation’ on the 10th September 2019.
Forever Fathers ensured that political parties were encouraged to attend. 3 councillors 2 of whom were previously uneducated about the issue of PA (until the session attended) . After a fantastic presentation by Donna Maria Logue (LDVP) had ended the Councillors walked up to the main speaker Donna of LDVP and a member of Forever Fathers and asked “how can we help you as Parental Alienation is so terribly wrong and it must be stopped !” We asked that maybe if we created for you a motion on PA for the Council would you support it. Even though the Councillors were from two opposing political parties they agreed to work together on this issue.
Previously that 25th May 2019 Parental Alienation was indexed on the WHO’s ICD11. Then, synchronicity occurred when later in October 2019 a Recommendation (36) was included in the Houses of the Oireachtas, Joint Committee on Justice and Equality Report on Reform of the Family Law System that aimed at the possibility of legislating for Parental Alienation.
Forever Fathers and Alienated Parents devised a motion that combined the WHO ICD11 recognition and October Family Law report recommendation 36 to form eventually the most actioned Council Motion (note there are four versions developed by Brian O’Sullivan or some Councillors themselves). The Donegal motion states
“ Donegal Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”
Prior to this on 25th October 2019 Derry City & Strabane District Council became the first Council on the Island of Ireland to table and pass a motion on Parental Alienation (created and sponsored by La Dolce Vita Project) http://www.la-dolce-vita-project.com/index.html
“During this, Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, Derry City and Strabane District Council express our deep concern at the levels of domestic abuse within this Council area. We recognise that Domestic Abuse can take many forms. We recognise that Parental Alienation is a form of Domestic Abuse. We recognise that Parental Alienation is also a form of Child Abuse. We recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver, child relationship, associated with significant disturbance in functioning”, which has been coded in the World Health Organisations ICD-11 International Classifications of Diseases version 11.”
We recognise that Derry City and Strabane District Council have a duty to support the protection of children affected by Parental Alienation and we will work with our statutory partners, in Health and Criminal Justice to ensure that it is dealt with appropriately. And that Derry City and Strabane District Council recognise and supports the work being carried out by La Dolce Vita to address the issue of domestic Violence and parental alienation, throughout our City and District. See https://www.derrystrabane.com/Council/News/Council-pledges-support-for-campaign-against-domes
At last on 25th November 2019 Donegal became the first Irish Council to pass a motion on Parental Alienation.The motion was passed unanimously and was supported across party lines which has been a major part of this campaign’s success to date. The first motion was proposed by Donegal County Councillors Cllr Martin Harley Fine Gael and seconded by Marie Terese Gallagher (as Gary Doherty was unavailable) Sinn Fein and was voted on unanimously.
See https://www.highlandradio.com/2019/12/02/parental-alienation-big-problem-locally-harley/
Later that day by coincidence and unknown to each group involved Laois County Council passed a different motion also unanimously and across party lines about recognising and addressing parental alienation (motion sponsored by Parental Alienation.EU, Brian O’Sullivan) https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/12/08/calls-for-parental-alienation-to-be-categorised-as-a-form-of-abuse/
Since both of the Donegal & Laois County Council motions were passed, alienated parents have organised into their own organisation Alienated Children First via facebook and whatsapp so as to undertake this concerted campaign to ensure that the PA motion is tabled and proposed in all councils and to change national awareness and legislation on this issue. Parents have emailed, rang and spoken to councillors and educated them about PA. This has not only educated politicians but many councillors who became new TDs and their party members. Councillors from the following parties and both genders have proposed or seconded the motions Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Fine Gael, Greens, Labour, Aontu, Workers & Unemployed Action, and Independents.
The motion has also raised localised media interest which in turn has highlighted the PA issue and further educated society in Ireland. This has been complemented by a parallel social media campaign with posts updated after each vote in the Council or County colours (Galway’s Maroon & Whte below) plus over 30 questions (2020) to government ministers about PA by TDs from Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Green Parties, PBP and Independents and also raised by Fine Gael Senator and a TD.
As of March 2021 there are thirty councils (97%) who have passed motions on PA include: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork County, Cork City, Donegal, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal, Galway, Galway city, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, Tipperary, Westmeath, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow. Offaly council after misinformation from Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services decided not to vote and passed their concerns to the Minister of Justice and may sadly never have a chance to vote on this issue. Also in a campaign led by La Dolce Vita Project a second Northern Ireland Council Fermanagh & Omagh District Council have passed a motions on PA with 8 Councils due to vote in 2021.
This unique alienated parent driven council campaign has raised world wide interest. The fact that it was unfunded and run so successfully by alienated parents themselves with minimal campaigning or lobbying skills and no major organisation behind them is remarkable.
“In the meantime
In September 2020 Uplift.ie removed the Petition because “As conversations around parental alienation have become increasingly toxic, we feel it’s become harder to support such campaigns as an organisation. We also note that it’s been declassified by WHO, along with mounting evidence that parental alienation can perpetuate family violence. While your particular campaign has used reasonable language, we are now getting parental alienation petitions started on the Uplift platform that has problematic and misogynistic wording like “crime is increasing due to single mother families” – which as you would understand, we obviously cannot support. We are now in a position that we certainly can’t allow any new parental alienation campaigns to be run from the platform.” The petition had 3,805 Signatures https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/make-parental-alienation-an-offence.
Since then amazingly a radio presenter East Coast FM’s Declan Meehan after interviewing Kenn Joyce, Alienated Children First spokesperson felt that this was a previously unknown issue to him. These interviews included A Barrister, 2 Family Therapists, a Samaritan volunteer, a Domestic Abuse Campaigner, an Alienated Father, Alienated Son, Alienated Mother and Alienated Grandmother was interviewed about Parental Alienation abuse. at https://alienated.ie/ and https://www.eastcoast.fm/podcasts2/podcasts/the-morning-show/.
Most positively though of all the Irish Government has agreed to research and consult on Parental Alienation in Autumn 2021 see Irish Justice Plan 2021 this was first announced in a Dail question that can be seen here Niamh Smyth TD asks Minister of Justice Helen McEntee TD about Parental Alienation. On 5th March 2021 the Irish Justice Minister outlined how Parental Alienation will be addressed in a very positive radio interview where she was questioned about the issue.