Court bill may add to child’s ‘distress’

The Children’s Ombudsman has warned that plans to allow media reporting of child care proceedings do not adequately protect children’s privacy and may add to their stress in court.

Ombudsman Emily Logan said flaws in the Courts Bill 2013, which contains provisions relaxing reporting restrictions, risk exposing children’s identities and discouraging them from giving evidence.

Ms Logan has written to Justice Minister Alan Shatter urging him to reconsider this part of the bill before it becomes legislation later this year.