Petitioners calls for reform of laws over child care when parents split

Two petitions for redress of grievance are urging for reform of laws governing the care of children when parents part company.

They were among a total of seven petitions brought forward at yesterday's Tynwald ceremony.

Other issues raised by petitioners included calls for a review of the handling of complaints against the health service, greater controls over planning conditions, pre-school education and redress for buyers of defective properties.

Douglas resident Stephen Holmes says the Island's justice system is failing in its duty to put the interests of children first.

Mr Holmes says children's rights - not those of adults - are now enshrined in law, but that principle is not being upheld: