Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1017. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a list of the 92 guardians ad litem, their relevant agency, where relevant, and the number of cases assigned to them in 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47997/23]
View answerMy Department does not maintain a list of guardians ad litem (GALs).
It is currently a matter for the courts to appoint a GAL, judges have freedom to appoint an individual of their choosing to act as a GAL, and as such there is no specific list of active GALS that a judge must choose from, and different courts have their own systems in place.
Under Section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is required to pay any expenses incurred based on invoices received.
