The Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s (DCDE) mission is to enhance the lives of

children, young people, adults, families and communities, recognising diversity and promoting

equality of opportunity. The Department deals with policy and service developments relating to a

number of important groups in society.

The passing of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 enabled the Minister for Children, Disability

and Equality to establish a new Guardian ad litem (GAL) National Service as part of the Department.

Guardians ad litem are independent qualified and experienced professionals appointed by the Court

to safeguard the interests of children and young people in court proceedings.

The Department now requires Solicitors Administrative Officers (AO) for the Legal Services Unit in

the new Guardian ad litem National Service. These roles present an exciting opportunity for

successful candidates to apply their legal skills and knowledge in supporting the work of the new

GAL National Service.

Reporting to a Senior Solicitor, Solicitors (AO) will work as part of a small team of in-house lawyers

and will have responsibility for supporting the Senior Solicitors and the Head of Legal Services in

managing all legal services in the GAL National Service.

Full details of the role, including specific eligibility requirements, is available on www.publicjobs.ie.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Wednesday 18 th March 2026.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine

grounds of the Employment Equality Act.