Dr. Fergal Lynch:

There are approximately 6,400 children in care and that number has remained relatively constant. The GAL system is not the only way we support the most vulnerable children. The Department puts huge emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Tusla implements parenting programmes such as the prevention, parenting and family support programme, PPFS, which we support and is hugely important for children. We also have the Children First legislation which we are working to implement. One the top priorities for the Department is to put in place all of the mechanisms required to implement the Children First Act 2015 which concerns mandatory reporting and related provisions. We are also reviewing the Child Care Act 1991. We are taking a much broader approach than purely the GAL system, important as it is, in order to help all children but specifically those who are most vulnerable.