Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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To respond to Deputy Sherlock and the solicitor he quoted, we are trying to provide clarity. I agree with that.

We are using this form of words to indicate that a guardian ad litembeing a party to proceedings is not the default position. That is the primary issue.

On the point raised by Deputy Rabbitte, as I understand it, a child can be made a party under this Bill, which is not current situation. Perhaps I am incorrect about that. A child, including a disabled child, can be made a party with a guardian ad litem.