Dr. Fergal Lynch:

We have done a number of things already in terms of trying to design the new system. There is no absolute agreement among the stakeholders about what the best way to go is under a number of headings. We have had to make judgment calls including in relation to the legal situation and supports, when GALs should or should not be appointed and also in respect of the type of body that should function. Our concern was to address the areas most requiring immediate reform, to put in place a nationally organised system, ensure professional practice, establish an in-house legal facility and to clarify the formal role and function in the legislation of a GAL, which last matter we have not said too much about. All the things can be put in place and need to be as quickly as possible. We will not simply rest on our laurels when that is done but will be looking at what the most appropriate body for the future should be.

We have got to this stage and I do not claim for a moment that the legislation is perfect and finalised and absolutely ready to go. However, it is a substantial step forward from where we have been. It offers a very good basis for improving the current service and allows us to move forward in relation to looking at alternative permanent structures, including a public body. There is scope to put that body within the family court system albeit the Government has not made a decision on that. The family court system is at a certain stage of development and needs further work. Rather than waiting to see if that is going to be the solution, we are anxious to move forward with everything else. This is a means to move forward with as much as we can of the reform programme. I assure the Deputy that we will be looking at the public body component as quickly as possible.