Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide for the provision of a comprehensive guardian ad litem service, as contained in the Children's Act 1997, for children in access cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29884/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 28 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, inserted by section 11 of the Children Act 1997, regarding appointment of a guardian ad litem for a child and provision for separate representation of the guardian ad litem, has not been commenced. Given the extensive costs which would fall on the Exchequer on the provision of a guardian ad litem service for children in family law proceedings, I have no plans to make such provision in the prevailing economic conditions.