Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I welcome the legislation and the support and consistency it provides for children and families in regard to GALs. I want to put on the record my eagerness to see the results of the full review of the Child Care Act as a whole. There are some parts of it that I would be eager to see advanced in respect of independent advocacy, beyond what is accounted for within this legislation, in regard to special care proceedings or involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Act. Overall, as we know, it is welcome legislation but it definitely is just one part of that jigsaw puzzle that needs to work in tandem with a wider review of the Child Care Act and also the development of the family courts. The legislation makes positive reference to children's voices, children's rights and children's best interests, which is very welcome.

As an add-on to what Senator Seery Kearney said regarding the expertise of GALs, we should also be making a great effort to look at the diversity that exists with regard to GALs’ cultural background and experiences so we can begin to have some of these professions and positions reflect some of the experiences and understanding of the young people who will require them. There should be that real emphasis on diversity. We know it needs to exist more within social work and it would also be great to see much greater diversity efforts in regard to GALs. I look forward to the review and I welcome the legislation.