I recognise the important work carried out by advocacy services, such as EPIC, who work with children and young adults who are currently in care or who have experience of being in care. EPIC receives Government funding so that it can fulfil this important role.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is currently reviewing the Child Care Act 1991. The Child Care Act is the principal piece of legislation regulating child care and child protection policy in Ireland. The 1991 Act is a wide-ranging piece of legislation which, at its core, seeks to promote the welfare of children who may not be receiving adequate care and protection. My officials have consulted extensively with stakeholders to collect their views on the legislation, including through a call for written submissions and a number of consultation events. They have welcomed suggestions regarding improvements to existing sections or potential additions to the Act from any interested parties, and are considering all submissions.
Changes proposed to legislation on foot of this review will, in addition to other improvements, advance the State’s ability to adequately protect children in care.
I am also planning to seek Government Approval for the General Scheme of a new Child Care (Amendment) [Guardian ad litem] Bill, the purpose of which is to regulate the existing ad hoc system of Guardian ad litem (GAL) appointments in child care proceedings and to reform the system so that it benefits the greatest number of children and young people. The core functions of the GAL under the amended legislation will be to inform the court of any views which the child wishes to express and to advise the court on what, in his or her professional opinion, is in the child’s best interests.
