Dr. Fergal Lynch:

The main thing we can do is concentrate on introducing the new system. A critical difference between the existing and new systems is the uncertainty attaching to whether a GAL will be appointed under the current system, while under the new one, the legislation states there will be an assumption that a GAL will be allocated or appointed in all circumstances, unless the court determines otherwise. If it decides a GAL does not need to be appointed, it will have to give reasons in public for this. Under the new system, all vulnerable children will have access to GAL services, unless the court makes a specific decision to the contrary.