The question of ratification by the State of this convention is under consideration. I previously indicated to the House, in the course of debate on the Bill which led to the Children Act, 1997, that the Bill contained certain provisions which would facilitate ratification of the convention. The Act is now operational apart from two important sections. These are sections 26, regarding social reports in the District Court, and 28, providing for the appointment of guardian ad litem for a child and provision for separate representation of a child.
Those two sections, which have a bearing on accession to the convention, have financial and staffing implications for certain bodies. This issue has been included in the Government's national children's strategy as part of its action plan.