Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with every single word that has been said here this morning. I fully endorse that this should not be attached to Tusla. That would be a very dangerous step. I made it quite clear when Barnardos attended this committee that we would be making a very serious mistake by having this service attached to and monitored and funded by Tusla. We would be creating more problems than we would be eliminating.

I agree that to remove the ability for someone to cross-examine would be another very serious issue for our children.

What is meant by the qualifications of the guardian ad litem? Are they legal qualifications or other qualifications? How would the process of creating that monitoring board who will take on the guardians be undertaken? Who will form the initial body that is going to monitor, examine and oversee these guardians?