Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
710. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the budget that has been allocated to ensure the success of the proposed changes to the guardian ad litem scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32317/25]
View answerIn 2025 payroll budget for the Department has funded certain newly appointed staff members of the GAL Executive Office including a Director of the Service, Head of Corporate Services and the Head Guardian ad litem. A dedicated team of nine staff have also been redeployed within the Department to prepare for the commencement of the Guardian ad litem National Service. €400,000 non pay costs have been allocated in 2025 to further support the Executive Office establishment.
The Department have made budget provision to pay the fees being submitted by Guardians ad litem to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) 2024 which was in the region of €10,000,000 in 2024. The Department also made budget provision for the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) to pay €11,000,000 to Tusla for legal services incurred on behalf to the Guardians ad litem. When the new service is established the resources available to TUSLA now to support the delivery of the GAL service will remain available pending final agreements as part of the normal estimates process.
As part of the Estimate process for 2026, the Department will also seek funding for requirements as identified by the Director to ensure successful operations of the national service.
