Dr. Fergal Lynch:

I think Deputy Murphy makes a very important point. There are only about 65 guardians ad litem, GALs, which is a relatively small number, but I think that with a national service provider and the fact that we will be providing GAL services for more children means that we will need more GALs, and that reduces the danger of a cartel or a closed shop. The fact that a service provider will be responsible for identifying each appropriate GAL, for making sure that they are properly trained, and the fact that they have to have certain qualifications and experience, will be helpful in this regard. The last thing we want is some form of closed shop, but we do want expertise and quality. The danger at the moment is almost from the opposite direction. I am not casting aspersions on any GALs, but the danger is that given the looseness with which it is possible to appoint a GAL, it is conceivable, although I am not saying that it happens, that a GAL would not have the qualifications and experience that one would like. In the new system, they will. It is also important to say that the service provider will have to report to the Department in terms of its overall offerings, and in terms of the quality and the type of service that it offers.