National GAL service formally begins work
The country’s first national regulated guardian ad litem (GAL) service has been formally established.
A GAL is an independent person appointed by a court to advise on the best interests of the child in public court proceedings.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley described the launch of the national service as “a landmark moment” for children in care.
“At its heart, this reform is about strengthening the voice of the child in care proceedings and ensuring that their best interests remain at the heart of every decision,” she stated.
‘Systemic change’
The minister said that the new body, based in Lombard Street in Dublin, was replacing a “fragmented” GAL service with a new structure underpinned by clear governance, standards, and accountability.
Patrick Bergin (director of the national service) said that its priority was ensuring that all children, in all parts of the country, had access to the same high standard of service.
“We are also committed to bringing about systemic change for children by utilising the information we collate and which, up until now, was not available,” he added.
Bergin said that significant work had taken place to ensure that the new service was ready to operate.
Current GALs continue
The new service has sanction to recruit a team of 65 full-time GALs, who will then be available for appointment as directed by the courts.
So far, 95 current GALs have been appointed as part of the transitional arrangements, five new GALs began employment on 22 June, and a further 31 are at final stages of contracting.
The Public Appointments Service is also processing a further 25 successful applications so they can also be offered posts in the coming months.
There will be a 12-month transition period during which 95 existing GALs can continue working with the children to whom they have been appointed. This is aimed at preventing any disruption for children.
The new national service has its own five-person legal unit, which can provide legal advice to GALs.
A panel of solicitors has been set up to cover all 26 district courts, so that rapid access to legal representation can be provided.