Guardians Ad Litem

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Questions (639)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been issued with a summons in respect of an alleged breach of guardian ad litem regulations given that they were unable to persuade their child otherwise; if instead urgent action will be taken in respect of their child; if immediate arrangements will be made to provide a course of adequate treatment for the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department has made enquiries with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in relation to the first part of this question, as Guardian Ad Litems come under their remit, however, they have stated that there are no Guardian Ad Litem regulations currently in place, therefore, any breach/summons would not be under Guardian Ad Litem regulations.

Furthermore, the Department of Justice has stated that no Minister can give the reasons behind a Judge’s decision to issue a summons and neither should they comment on such a decision.

With regard to the health-related aspects of this question, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible on this matter, along with the Deputy’s previous question of 30th September in relation to the same individual, which was already submitted to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.