I am aware of the recommendations in the report of the guardian ad litem group and of the difficulties identified by the group with the operation of the existing system, and I am conscious of the position regarding the current availability of the guardian ad litem service. The question of establishing a State funded service is one of a number of issues to be addressed in the context of a review of the existing service which is being undertaken by the national children's office. The need to review the operation of the existing service was highlighted in the Government's national children's strategy. The national children's strategy is a major initiative to improve the quality of all children's lives over the next eight years.
The National Children's Office is currently finalising a request for tenders document inviting tenders from interested parties to undertake the review. The review will be wide ranging and will involve consultation with interested parties in both the voluntary and statutory sectors, including health board personnel, the social services inspectorate, the Judiciary and the Law Society. Among the other issues to be examined as part of the review will be:
(i) the management and organisation of the present service, including selection and vetting procedures;
(ii) the difficulties being experienced with the current system and issues relating to the need for national standards;
(iii) the need for detailed guidelines on the appointment, role, function and powers of a guardian ad litem in public and private law proceedings and the ethical and professional standards required of them;