Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Freeman that it is very apparent from today's meeting and the previous one that everybody is in agreement that this must be fully independent to Tusla. That is being echoed by all parties.

What are the qualifications of guardians ad litem that are currently working in the service? I ask that so that we have an understanding of where we are coming from and what we are trying to achieve. I would like to hear what the Ombudsman for Children thinks about the role of the advocate in their collaboration with guardians ad litem.

At the moment it is a geographic dolly mixture, if one is fortunate enough to get a guardian ad litem. It is not a statutory obligation and it depends on where one is located. I am concerned about the role of advocacy. One only gets to meet one's guardian ad litemprior to a court proceeding. Would it not be important for the guardian ad litemto have built up a relationship with the child in advance so that there is trust? I would like to hear the views of others in that regard.

In terms of the role of Article 42A and expanding the voice of the child, in what respect is that not addressed in the Bill? Where should it be addressed? I am looking for recommendations in that regard.