Court may refer parties for mediation or to attend counselling
47B.—(1) A court before which any proceedings under this Act (other than proceedings under section 98) are being heard may give consideration to the possibility of a harmonious resolution of the matter and for this purpose may, with the consent of the parties, refer the parties for mediation by such person as the parties may agree or, failing such agreement, as the court may appoint.
(2) A court before which any proceedings under this Act (other than proceedings under section 60B or 60C) are being heard may, if it considers that it is in the interests of the parties or their children to do so, at any stage in the proceedings direct or advise either or both of the parties or their children to attend counselling provided by such person as the Minister may approve or as the court may direct.
(3) Failure to comply with a direction or advice referred to in subsection (2) does not constitute a contempt of court.
(4) Evidence of anything said, or of any admission made, in the course of any mediation or any counselling under this section shall not be admissible in any court.