Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
711. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of guardian ad litem it is proposed will be employed under the proposed changes to the guardian ad litem scheme; the number of children each guardian ad litem will have responsibility for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation available to the Department of Children Disability and Equality through the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) for 2024 indicate that there are one hundred individuals appointed as Guardians ad litem to approximately 3,500 children. The Executive Office is in the process of undertaking an analysis of this data so as to develop an operating model including the numbers of Guardians ad litem required in the provision of the Guardian ad litem National Service.
This potentially includes the direct employment of Guardians ad litem and / or the contracting of Guardians ad litem through a panel system or a combination of both options. The numbers of Guardians ad litem and pay grades of staff employed within the Service is yet to be finalised and approval will also be required from DPENDR. Approval will also be required from DPENDR for the hourly rate to be paid to Guardian ad litem on a panel. The Department is considering options and engagement will then commence with DPENDR for approval to proceed.
An analysis was undertaken by the Executive Office on the information provided to the Department by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) by the Executive Office on the caseloads for Guardian ad litem for 2024. The average numbers of children per Guardian working fulltime was 53. However, variances were significant ranging from Guardians ad litem managing from 18 children to over 100 children. The Executive Office is in the process of formalising case allocation and management system which will ensure appointments are equitable and professional informed to ensure the rights of all parties are met in a fair and transparent manner.
