Sir, - Once again the crisis in the Legal Aid Service, leading to unacceptable waiting lists of up to two years in some centres, has been highlighted through your columns. An unexpected rise in the level of divorce applications is putting additional pressure on solicitors in law centres.
The ending of a relationship is enormously stressful for both partners and delays in accessing legal aid can cause an unbearable situation for many families.
The Family Mediation Service, a State-run service operating in 10 centres around the country, offers couples, free of charge, an opportunity to deal immediately with the crisis of their separation. Professionally trained mediators do not give legal advice. They assist couples in drawing up an agreement around their future needs and the needs of their family, which in time can be legalised by their solicitors. Waiting lists for mediation are a matter of weeks rather than months. For further information contact (01-8728277. -Yours, etc.,
Siun Kearney, Area Co-Ordinator, Family Mediation Service, Hibernian House, Cork.