Guardians ad litem are professionals appointed by the courts to represent the best interests of a child in court proceedings. There are 96 guardians ad litem (Gals) representing about 3,000 children between them. “The average numbers of children per Guardian working full-time was 53,” Minister for Children Norma Foley told the Dáil last year. “However, variances were significant, ranging from Guardians ad litem managing from 18 children to over 100 children.” While the value of the Gal role is undisputed, the way the institution has been run in Ireland has raised concerns. Although they are paid by Tusla, Gals are…

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