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

The primary purpose of requiring a guardian ad litemto consult parties to the proceedings, or the relevant counsel or solicitor, is to ensure there are no unnecessary delays in proceedings or disruptions to the child by a guardian ad litemapplying unnecessarily to a court to procure a report that the social worker has already requested. In addition, it is important for all parties to the proceedings to be aware of what reports are being requested and potentially undertaken. We are trying to ensure that communication is ongoing. It is also important to note that the guardian ad litemis under no obligation to come to an agreement with other parties. This subsection seeks to ensure that only appropriate communications take place in the interests of justice and for the good of the child. The limitations on the right of a guardian ad litemto request reports that already exist and are still in date are in place for good reason. Duplication of reports can be wasteful of time and resources and can slow down court proceedings unnecessarily. Subjecting a child to numerous interviews with experts without good reason is not in the best interests of the child.