Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to expand the [i]guardian ad litem[/i] scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32511/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Child Care Act 1991, a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) provides a service to the Courts. This happens where a judge requests that a Guardian Ad Litem be appointed to a child to represent the interests of a child who is the subject of care proceedings. They are always appointed where a child is subject to Special Care proceedings. The service is funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

I consider there is considerable scope to improve the organisation of the current service which has evolved in an ad hoc manner over a number of years. My Department is currently reviewing provision of GAL services having regard to previous reports and current data on demand. Officials are working closely with the HSE in this regard with a view to establishing the most appropriate arrangements for the future organisation and delivery of this service. Preliminary discussions have also taken place with the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence in relation to this matter.