Guardian ad litem National Service – is this a change for the better?

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Donal T Ryan Solicitors LLP at the forefront of Child Care Law in Ireland.

On the 23 June 2026, the new Guardian Ad Litem National Service was formally launched with the coming into force of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022.

The Act primarily provides for a system of regulation and appointment of Guardians ad Litem (GALs) and establishes that the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration for courts. It also sets out that children’s views in proceedings should be heard.

A Guardian ad Litem enhances the decision-making capacity of the court by advising on a child’s best interests and conveying the views of the child to the court. The new National Service replaces the previous independent GAL model with a new structure which has sanction to recruit a team of 65 full-time Guardians ad Litem, who will be available for appointment as directed by the courts.

GALs were previously entitled automatically to legal advice and representation in court however under the 2022 Act the Minister has discretion to agree to legal representation in certain circumstances. The new National Service has created a panel of expert child care solicitors to assist with legal representation where required. Lorcan Dunphy of Donal T Ryan Solicitors was successful in being appointed to this panel due to his years of expertise in Child Care Law.

The new Act is not without its critics however and on the same day the National Service was formally launched, it faced a legal challenge in the High Court.

The most fundamental objection concerns the independence of Guardians ad Litem. The Association of Guardians ad Litem of Ireland (AGALI) has warned that both Tusla and the new GAL service will now be responsible to the same minister.

The issue of legal representation is a concern also where Social Workers and parents may be represented in proceedings but the Guardian Ad Litem representing the voice of the child may be without legal representation. There is concern with current GALs of a dilution of the voice of the child.

Throughout this process our offices will continue to advise and represent GALs in all courts ensuring that children’s voices are heard, respected and acted upon.

If you want to know any more information about the new National Service or Guardian Ad Litems in general, do not hesitate to contact Lorcan Dunphy in the Donal T. Ryan Solicitors’ Cashel at 062 61288.

Dog Responsibilities

Do you have a dog? Do you know your dog responsibilities?

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Poop & Scoop – Litter

Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. The owner / person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of it in a suitable and safe matter. A complaint can be made to the District Court under the litter laws against an owner or someone in charge of the dog that allows their animal to foul public places and fails to act responsibly. The special forms in this regard are available from the Dog Control Unit of the local authority.

Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are dogs in a public place not accompanied by an owner or by any responsible person. Dogs that are not under proper control are also considered stray dogs. You can receive an on the spot fine if your dog is not under proper control. Stray dogs may be seized by the dog warden and/or the Gardai and brought to the Dog Pound. These dogs may be put down or re-homed if they are not claimed within 5 days. If your dog has strayed or is missing you should contact the local dog pound directly to check if your dog is there. Before you collect it you will have to pay a fee and produce a current dog licence. If you do not have a current dog licence you must get one before collecting your dog.

Dog Identification

Dogs must wear at all times a collar that bears the name and address of the owner inscribed on it on a plate, badge or disc. Failure to have identification on a dog can result in an on the spot fine issued by a dog warden. If the fine is not paid within a specific period prosecution can result. Under the Micro Chipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 a programme of micro chipping has been introduced and now applies to all dogs since the 21st of March 2016.

Dog Licences

In order to get a dog licence you must be over 16 years of age. It is an offence to keep a dog unless you have a licence. All dogs over four months of age must have a licence. Puppies aged under four months who are still with their mothers don’t need licences, but once they leave their mothers they must have a licence. A Dog Warden can ask you to produce evidence of a dog licence and failure to do so can result in an on the spot fine. Failure to pay this fine can result in a subsequent prosecution against you. You can get a standard dog licence at your local post office. An individual dog licence costs €20.00 and is valid for one year.

Finally – Are you being driven mad from barking dogs?

If an excessive barking dog is creating a nuisance for you, this is an offence!
You might be able to solve the problem by having a discussion with the owner of the dog. However, if the discussion doesn’t yield a satisfactory response you could make a complaint to the local District Court and seek a hearing in relation to the matter. This procedure is under the Control of The Dogs Act 1986 and specifically Section 25 of the Act. The forms required in this regard are available from the local District Court office and from Local Authorities.

The Court may make an Order requiring the person who is in occupation of the premises in which the dog is being kept to exercise control over the dog or make a limit on the number of dogs that can be kept on the premises or direct the dog be delivered to a Dog Warden to be dealt with as an unwanted dog.

Dogs may be a man or woman’s best friend but with them comes responsibilities