Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

709. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to proposed changes to the guardian ad litem scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32316/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

AGALI (Association Guardian ad litem Ireland) is a professional organisation for Guardian ad litem in Ireland formally established in April 2025. Through the Child and Family Agency (Tusla), we understand there are approximately one hundred Guardians ad litem appointed by the Courts to 3,500 children (2024). Approximately, seventy Guardians ad litem are members to the Association. In preparation for the commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, Department officials has engaged with Guardians and litem including through AGALI over a number of years.

In March 2024, AGALI made a submission to the Department as part of the Department consultation process with a number of stakeholders. A response to the submission was issued in March 2024 by the Department. The submission received from AGALI, and other stakeholders inform the establishment of the Guardian ad litem National Service as set out in the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022.

In January 2025, the Department established an Executive Office, Guardian ad litem National Service with the appointment of the Director of the Service, Pat Bergin. The Director met with the chair of AGALI, Dermot Simms (Retired Judge) in March 2025 and the Director has provided three written updates to AGALI over this period. As part of the ongoing consultation, the Director has invited all appointed Guardians ad litem through AGALI to an information session on 17th June 2025. This engagement is a part on the ongoing going communication plan with Guardians ad litem and other stakeholders in relation to the commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022.