Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I consider the amendment unnecessary, as the use of a report in legislation can be read effectively, as singular or plural as per section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005. That is the primary reason I can see in terms of the change.

Current practice is that a report would be prepared for every court sitting. There is no intention to change the current practice, where the guardianad litemmay produce a number of reports over the course of one case. In addition, section 35E.(2)(c) places an obligation on the guardian ad litemto provide an update to the court on any additional matters relevant to the best interests of the child that come to his or her attention during the course of the performance of his or her functions. Effectively the provision is already in the Bill, as it is acknowledging that other reports can come forward. The meaning of report in the singular can be read as plural, effectively.

Therefore I think the amendment is unnecessary.