The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a statutory, independent role within the Guardian ad Litem National Service, an executive office of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality established under the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. The GAL represents and promotes the best interests of children involved in child care and related court proceedings.

Reporting to a Regional Manager, the GAL carries out their functions in accordance with Section 35E of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. This includes engaging directly with children, gathering and assessing relevant information, and providing independent recommendations and reports to the courts to assist in decision-making that affects a child’s welfare.

The role is based in regional offices in Dublin, Cork, or Galway, with responsibility for supporting children and courts across all counties in Ireland. GALs work collaboratively with families, legal professionals, social workers, and other relevant stakeholders while maintaining independence and a strong focus on children’s rights, voice, and best interests.

This is a permanent, full-time civil service role contributing to the reformed national guardian ad litem system and to the delivery of fair, child-centred outcomes within the Irish child protection and family law framework.