Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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282. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proposed changes he will make regarding outstanding issues in relation to the guardian ad litem service in the proposed scheme of Bill before it is introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41039/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019 is an important piece of legislation which seeks to provide for much-needed reform of guardian ad litem (GAL) arrangements. Its objective is to regulate the existing system of GAL appointments and to extend the system so that GALs can be made available to a larger number of children on a more equitable basis. It provides a statutory basis for a nationally organised and managed service to ensure that a high quality and sustainable service is provided into the future.

The Bill fell with the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil in January.

I am pleased to note that the proposed reform enjoys broad support and I am determined to progress this legislation as quickly as possible. However, I also intend to take this opportunity to examine some issues raised by stakeholders and to ensure that I am fully satisfied with the proposed Bill before introducing it. My officials are currently seeking legal advice on matters that have been raised as part of this process. I intend to wait until this legal advice has been received and fully examined before making any final decisions on proposals.