Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Deputy mentioned the party issue. That comes later, but it is important to emphasise that as matters stand a guardian ad litemis not a party and has never been a party. At the court's discretion he or she is sometimes allowed to exercise party-type rights. That is an important distinction because it emphasises that discretion resides with the court to allow the guardian ad litemto work for the child's best interest.