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

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.