{"id":20685,"date":"2022-11-22T23:08:26","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T23:08:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=20685"},"modified":"2024-03-14T21:50:13","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T21:50:13","slug":"child-welfare-criteria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Welfare Criteria"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Childrens_Referendum\" title=\"Children&#8217;s Referendum\">Children&#8217;s Referendum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Insertion_of_Article_42A\" title=\"Insertion of Article 42A\">Insertion of Article 42A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Welfare_Paramount\" title=\"Welfare Paramount\">Welfare Paramount<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Moral_Religious\" title=\"Moral &amp; Religious\">Moral &amp; Religious<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Intellectual_Physical_Social\" title=\"Intellectual, Physical &amp; Social\">Intellectual, Physical &amp; Social<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Traditional_Mother_Preference\" title=\"Traditional Mother Preference\">Traditional Mother Preference<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/#Capacity_of_Parents\" title=\"Capacity of Parents\">Capacity of Parents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#GUARDIANSHIP_OF_INFANTS_ACT_1964\" title=\"GUARDIANSHIP OF INFANTS ACT 1964\">GUARDIANSHIP OF INFANTS ACT 1964<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Interpretation\" title=\"Interpretation.\">Interpretation.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#References_in_enactments_to_guardians_appointed_under_section_6C_or_6E\" title=\"References in enactments to guardians appointed under section 6C or 6E\">References in enactments to guardians appointed under section 6C or 6E<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Welfare_of_child_to_be_paramount\" title=\"Welfare of child to be paramount.\">Welfare of child to be paramount.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Proof_of_paternity_in_certain_proceedings\" title=\"Proof of paternity in certain proceedings.\">Proof of paternity in certain proceedings.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Jurisdiction_in_guardianship_matters\" title=\"Jurisdiction in guardianship matters.\">Jurisdiction in guardianship matters.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Rights_of_parents_to_guardianship\" title=\"Rights of parents to guardianship.\">Rights of parents to guardianship.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_to_appoint_parent_as_guardian\" title=\"Power of court to appoint parent as guardian\">Power of court to appoint parent as guardian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Rights_of_certain_parents_to_guardianship\" title=\"Rights of certain parents to guardianship\">Rights of certain parents to guardianship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_to_appoint_person_other_than_parent_as_guardian\" title=\"Power of court to appoint person other than parent as guardian\">Power of court to appoint person other than parent as guardian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Rights_and_responsibilities_equivalent_to_guardianship_arising_in_another_state\" title=\"Rights and responsibilities equivalent to guardianship arising in another state\">Rights and responsibilities equivalent to guardianship arising in another state<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_to_appoint_temporary_guardian\" title=\"Power of court to appoint temporary guardian\">Power of court to appoint temporary guardian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Declaration_that_person_is_guardian\" title=\"Declaration that person is guardian\">Declaration that person is guardian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_parents_to_appoint_testamentary_guardians\" title=\"Power of parents to appoint testamentary guardians\">Power of parents to appoint testamentary guardians<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Appointment_and_removal_of_guardians_by_court\" title=\"Appointment and removal of guardians by court.\">Appointment and removal of guardians by court.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Duration_of_guardianship\" title=\"Duration of guardianship\">Duration of guardianship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Provisions_where_two_or_more_guardians_appointed\" title=\"Provisions where two or more guardians appointed.\">Provisions where two or more guardians appointed.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Powers_and_duties_of_guardians\" title=\"Powers and duties of guardians.\">Powers and duties of guardians.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Applications_to_court\" title=\"Applications to court.\">Applications to court.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Preliminary_orders_in_proceedings_for_divorce\" title=\"Preliminary orders in proceedings for divorce.\">Preliminary orders in proceedings for divorce.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Custody_may_be_granted_to_father_and_mother_jointly\" title=\"Custody may be granted to father and mother jointly.\">Custody may be granted to father and mother jointly.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Relatives_may_apply_for_access_to_child\" title=\"Relatives may apply for access to child.\">Relatives may apply for access to child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Provision_relating_to_orders_under_sections_6A_11_14_and_16\" title=\"Provision relating to orders under sections 6A, 11, 14 and 16.\">Provision relating to orders under sections 6A, 11, 14 and 16.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Relatives_and_certain_persons_may_apply_for_custody_of_child\" title=\"Relatives and certain persons may apply for custody of child\">Relatives and certain persons may apply for custody of child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Variation_and_discharge_of_court_orders\" title=\"Variation and discharge of court orders.\">Variation and discharge of court orders.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Additional_powers_of_court_in_relation_to_applications_under_this_Act\" title=\"Additional powers of court in relation to applications under this Act\">Additional powers of court in relation to applications under this Act<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Definitions_for_Part_III\" title=\"Definitions for Part III.\">Definitions for Part III.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_as_to_production_of_child\" title=\"Power of court as to production of\u00a0 child\">Power of court as to production of\u00a0 child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_Court_to_order_repayment_of_costs_of_bringing_up_child\" title=\"Power of Court to order repayment of costs of bringing up child.\">Power of Court to order repayment of costs of bringing up child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Court_in_making_order_to_have_regard_to_conduct_of_parent\" title=\"Court in making order to have regard to conduct of parent.\">Court in making order to have regard to conduct of parent.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_as_to_childs_religious_education\" title=\"Power of court as to child\u2019s religious education.\">Power of court as to child\u2019s religious education.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Custody_where_parents_are_separated\" title=\"Custody where parents are separated.\">Custody where parents are separated.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Enforcement_orders\" title=\"Enforcement orders\">Enforcement orders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Person_presumed_to_have_seen_order_of_court\" title=\"Person presumed to have seen order of court\">Person presumed to have seen order of court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_to_vary_or_terminate_custody_or_access_enforcement_order\" title=\"Power of court to vary or terminate custody or access enforcement order\">Power of court to vary or terminate custody or access enforcement order<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Enforcement_of_custody_or_access_order\" title=\"Enforcement of custody or access order\">Enforcement of custody or access order<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Definitions\" title=\"Definitions.\">Definitions.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Safeguards_to_ensure_applicants_awareness_of_alternatives_to_custody_access_and_guardianship_proceedings_and_to_assist_attempts_at_agreement\" title=\"Safeguards to ensure applicant\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.\">Safeguards to ensure applicant\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Safeguards_to_ensure_respondents_awareness_of_alternatives_to_custody_access_and_guardianship_proceedings_and_to_assist_attempts_at_agreement\" title=\"Safeguards to ensure respondent\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.\">Safeguards to ensure respondent\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Adjournment_of_proceedings_to_assist_agreement_on_custody_or_guardianship_of_or_access_to_child\" title=\"Adjournment of proceedings to assist agreement on custody or guardianship of or access to child.\">Adjournment of proceedings to assist agreement on custody or guardianship of or access to child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Non-admissibility_as_evidence_of_certain_communications_relating_to_agreement\" title=\"Non-admissibility as evidence of certain communications relating to agreement.\">Non-admissibility as evidence of certain communications relating to agreement.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Orders_in_respect_of_custody_or_access_agreements\" title=\"Orders in respect of custody or access agreements.\">Orders in respect of custody or access agreements.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Wishes_of_child\" title=\"Wishes of child.\">Wishes of child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_to_proceed_in_absence_of_child\" title=\"Power to proceed in absence of child.\">Power to proceed in absence of child.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Cost_of_mediation_and_counselling_services\" title=\"Cost of mediation and counselling services.\">Cost of mediation and counselling services.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Jurisdiction\" title=\"Jurisdiction.\">Jurisdiction.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Determination_by_court_of_best_interests_of_child\" title=\"Determination by court of best interests of child\">Determination by court of best interests of child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/child-welfare-criteria\/2\/#Power_of_court_to_make_certain_orders\" title=\"Power of court to make certain orders\">Power of court to make certain orders<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Childrens_Referendum\"><\/span>Children&#8217;s Referendum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Until 2012, the Constitutional provisions for the protection of the marital family were thought to be a factor which would weigh slightly, at least, against the first and paramount interest of the child. The welfare of the child has been the first and paramount consideration under legislation dating back over 50 years.<\/p>\n<p>The 2012 amendment of the Constitution, the so-called Children&#8217;s Rights Referendum, provides as follows:<\/p>\n<p>Repeal of Article 42.5<\/p>\n<p><em>In exceptional cases, where the parents for physical or moral reasons fail in their duty towards their children, the State as guardian of the common good, by appropriate means shall endeavour to supply the place of the parents, but always with due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insertion_of_Article_42A\"><\/span>Insertion of Article 42A<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>The State recognises and affirms the natural and imprescriptible rights of all children and shall, as far as practicable, by its laws protect and vindicate those rights in exceptional cases, where the parents, regardless of their marital status, fail in their duty towards their children to such extent that the safety or welfare of any of their children is likely to be prejudicially affected, the State as guardian of the common good shall, by proportionate means as provided by law, endeavour to supply the place of the parents, but always with due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Provision shall be made by law for the adoption of any child where the parents have failed for such a period of time as may be prescribed by law in their duty towards the child and where the best interests of the child so require<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Provision shall be made by law for the voluntary placement for adoption and the adoption of any child<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Provision shall be made by law that in the resolution of all proceedings:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>brought by the State, as guardian of the common good, for the purpose of preventing the safety and welfare of any child from being prejudicially affected, or<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>concerning the adoption, guardianship or custody of, or access to, any child,<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Provision shall be made by law for securing, as far as practicable, that in all proceedings referred to in subsection 1\u00b0 of this section in respect of any child who is capable of forming his or her own views, the views of the child shall be ascertained and given due weight having regard to the age and maturity of the child.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Accordingly, insofar as the rights of the marital family might predominate or influence a decision in such a way that the child&#8217;s welfare was not the first and paramount consideration, the law has now been changed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Welfare_Paramount\"><\/span>Welfare Paramount<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Guardianship of Infants Act and all associated legislation, together with the divorce and judicial separation legislation, has specifically emphasised the child&#8217;s welfare and best interests as being paramount.<\/p>\n<p>In all cases concerning guardianship, custody, welfare and access, the best interests of the child are to be the first and paramount consideration. Best interests are generally defined in terms of the child&#8217;s welfare.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation specifically requires a court to have regard to the child&#8217;s religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social welfare. The welfare of the child is the first and paramount consideration. It is not the exclusive consideration, but it is the most important consideration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cParamount\u201d indicates the welfare of the child is to be the most important consideration insofar as possible, having regard to the law or the provisions of the Constitution applicable in a given case.<\/p>\n<p>All the considerations and elements of welfare are to be considered globally. The matter is not simply a totalling up of marks under the various five headings. The totality of the position must be seen and welfare is to be taken in its wider sense.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moral_Religious\"><\/span>Moral &amp; Religious<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The court is to have regard to the religious upbringing of the child and seek not to disturb the religious and moral education of the child. In some cases, this has been a factor in refusing custody to a parent in a relationship with a person of a different religion.<\/p>\n<p>The courts have accepted undertakings from a parent of one religious persuasion to continue to bring up a child in the religion in which he was being formed.<\/p>\n<p>Moral welfare refers to spiritual and moral education. Traditionally, it has been considered in terms of lifestyle. In a number of cases, custody was refused to parents living in so-called adulterous relationships.<\/p>\n<p>This was particularly likely to occur before the introduction of divorce. Some cases in the early 70s emphasised how an adulterous relationship might be contrary to the moral tenets in which the child has been reared.<\/p>\n<p>The more modern approach has been to place considerably less emphasis on the so-called moral aspects of second relationships. The courts have been keen to emphasise that the award of custody is not in any way a reward for parental conduct.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Intellectual_Physical_Social\"><\/span>Intellectual, Physical &amp; Social<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Intellectual welfare refers to education in general, in both the formal and informal sense. The court must be satisfied that the child will have adequate opportunities for education and formation to promote the child&#8217;s development.<\/p>\n<p>Relationship refers to the totality of relationships and maturing. It encompasses psychological well-being. Evidence of a psychologist may be introduced in terms of a child&#8217;s physical and intellectual welfare.<\/p>\n<p>Physical welfare refers to physical well-being and health. Social welfare refers to socialisation and education. It refers to their capacity to become part of society.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Mother_Preference\"><\/span>Traditional Mother Preference<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Traditionally, the courts have assumed that these needs were best met by the mother in the case of children of so-called tender years &#8211; generally seven and under. This tendency has been reversed in more recent times, with greater equality between the parties.<\/p>\n<p>The tender years doctrine was widely supported by the courts in the 1970s and 80s. It was presumed that a child of tender years should be in the custody of his or her mother unless the mother had failed in her duty as such.<\/p>\n<p>Presumptively, where the parties are estranged, the mother, by reason of motherhood, was assumed primarily and uniquely capable of ministering to the welfare of the children. The last 20 years have seen a growing acceptance that men can play an equal role in parenting.<\/p>\n<p>This reflects societal changes, with both male and female spouses commonly participating in the workplace and caring for children. The doctrine appears to still have some currency but shared parenting is emphasised.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Capacity_of_Parents\"><\/span>Capacity of Parents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The capacity and ability of the parent is a relevant consideration. It is not necessarily the case that the more able parent will be granted custody. To do otherwise would be to unfairly discriminate against parents who suffer from disabilities or other incapacities, physical, psychological or emotional. If, however, a parent is clearly unable to carry out a parental role, this will be a significant factor against custody being granted to that parent.<\/p>\n<p>Stability is a significant consideration. Divorce is likely to cause considerable upheaval to children. The courts have a preference not to split up siblings, if possible. There is a preference to maintain them in the family home, where possible.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2>GUARDIANSHIP OF INFANTS ACT 1964<\/h2>\n<p>REVISED<\/p>\n<p>Updated to 31 July 2023<\/p>\n<p>AN ACT TO CONSOLIDATE WITH AMENDMENTS THE ENACTMENTS RELATING TO THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF INFANTS. [25th March, 1964.]<\/p>\n<p>BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS:\u2014<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C1<br \/>\nJurisdiction to award costs under Act provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33\/1996), s. 43, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Cost of mediation and counselling services.<\/p>\n<p>43.\u2014 The cost of any mediation services or counselling services provided for a spouse who is or becomes a party to proceedings under this Act, the Act of 1964 or the Act of 1989 or for a dependent member of the family of such a spouse shall be in the discretion of the court concerned.<\/p>\n<p>C2<br \/>\nPower to order report under Act provided (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26\/1995), s. 47(1) and (6)(a), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.<\/p>\n<p>Social reports in family law proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>47.\u2014(1) In proceedings to which this section applies, the court may, of its own motion or on application to it in that behalf by a party to the proceedings, by order give such directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of procuring a report in writing on any question affecting the welfare of a party to the proceedings or any other person to whom they relate from \u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) such probation and welfare officer (within the meaning of the Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act, 1991) as the Minister for Justice may nominate,<\/p>\n<p>(b) such person nominated by a health board specified in the order as that board may nominate, being a person who, in the opinion of that board, is suitably qualified for the purpose, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) any other person specified in the order.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(6) Subsection (1) applies to proceedings \u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) under the Act of 1964,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C3<br \/>\nEnforcement of orders under Act provided (12.07.1986) by Courts (No. 2) Act 1986 (26\/1986), s. 5, commenced on enactment; as amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 14(a) and (b), commenced as per s. 1(2). The Fines Act 2010 (8\/2010). ss. 3 and 6, table, ref. no. 1 applies to the fine in subs. (2), making it not greater than \u20ac2,500 but greater than \u20ac1,000.<\/p>\n<p>Enforcement of certain orders under Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.<\/p>\n<p>5.\u2014(1) In this section \u201cthe Act of 1964\u201d means the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by the Courts Act, 1981, [the Age of Majority Act, 1985, the Status of Children Act, 1987, and the Children Act, 1997].<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court, where the District Court has made an order under [section 7, 11 or 11B] of the Act of 1964 containing a direction regarding\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the custody of an infant, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) the right of access to an infant,<\/p>\n<p>any person having the actual custody of the infant who, having been given or shown a copy of the order and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) having been required, by or on behalf of a person to whom the custody of the infant is committed by the direction, to give up the infant to that person, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) having been required, by or on behalf of a person entitled to access to the infant in accordance with the direction, to allow that person to have such access,<\/p>\n<p>fails or refuses to comply with the requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [\u00a31,500] or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [twelve months] or to both such fine and such imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C4<br \/>\nConstruction of certain references to 21 years not affected (1.03.1985) by Age of Majority Act 1985 (2\/1985), s. 2(4), commenced as per s. 9(2).<\/p>\n<p>Reduction of age of majority.<\/p>\n<p>2.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(4) (a) This section does not affect the construction of any reference to the age of twenty-one years, or of any word or expression to which subsection (2) relates, in any statutory provision to which this subsection applies.<\/p>\n<p>(b) This subsection applies to\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(viii) any provision of the Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act, 1930, the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, that provides for payments to be made for maintenance or support of children up to the age of twenty-one years,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C5<br \/>\nJurisdiction to make orders under Act restricted (12.05.1982) by Courts Act 1981 (11\/1981), s. 15(2), commenced as per s. 33(3).<\/p>\n<p>Jurisdiction under Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.<\/p>\n<p>15.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) (a) Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection, nothing in the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by subsection (1) of this section, shall be construed as conferring on the District Court jurisdiction to make an order under Part II or III of that Act in relation to which the High Court or the Circuit Court (except on appeal from the District Court) has made an order under the said Part II or the said Part III.<\/p>\n<p>(b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection, nothing in the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended by subsection (1) of this section, shall be construed as conferring on the Circuit Court jurisdiction to make an order under Part II or III of that Act in relation to which the High Court has made an order under the said Part II or III.<\/p>\n<p>(c) The District Court and the Circuit Court may vary or revoke an order made by the High Court under the said Part II or the said Part III before the commencement of this section if\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) the circumstances to which the order of the High Court related have changed other than by reason of such commencement, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) in the case of a variation or revocation of such an order by the District Court, the provisions of the order would have been within the jurisdiction of that Court if this section had been in operation at the time of the making of the order.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E1<br \/>\nPower of court to discharge safety, barring, interim barring, emergency barring or protection orders in proceedings under this Act prescribed (1.01.2019) by Domestic Violence Act 2018 (6\/2018), s. 21(3)(c), S.I. No. 532 of 2018.<\/p>\n<p>E2<br \/>\nAct included in definition of \u201cfamily law proceedings\u201d (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 2, S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>E3<br \/>\nProvision for no fees being payable in proceedings under this Act made (30.10.2014) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 492 of 2014), art. 6(1).<\/p>\n<p>E4<br \/>\nProvision for no fees being payable in proceedings in family law proceedings, any matrimonial cause or matter or proceedings brought by the Health Service Executive in any matter relating to minors made (30.10.2014) by Circuit Court (Fees) (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 491 of 2014), art. 3, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>E5<br \/>\nProvision for no fees being payable in proceedings in family law proceedings, any matrimonial cause or matter or proceedings brought by the Health Service Executive in any matter relating to minors made (3.02.2014) by District Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 22 of 2014), art. 3, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>E6<br \/>\nProvision made for the Circuit Court to be known as the Circuit Family Court when exercising its jurisdiction to hear and determine family law proceedings or, where provided for, when transferring family law proceedings to the High Court (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 31, commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>E7<br \/>\nProvision for separate hearing of proceedings under Act made (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 32, commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>E8<br \/>\nProvision for conduct of proceedings under Act in the Circuit and High Courts to be informal made (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 33, commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>E9<br \/>\nProvision for conduct of proceedings under Act in the District Court to be informal made (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 45, commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>E10<br \/>\nJurisdiction of local courts in cases under Act provided (12.05.1982) by Courts Act 1981 (11\/1981), s. 16, commenced as per s. 33(3).<\/p>\n<p>E11<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provisions: provision for no fees being payable in proceedings under this Act made:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (3.02.2014) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 24 of 2014), art. 6(1); revoked (30.10.2014) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 492 of 2014), art. 11.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (3.12.2013) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 466 of 2013), art. 5(1); revoked (3.02.2014) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 24 of 2014), art. 11.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (3.12.2013) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 239 of 2013), art. 6(1); revoked (3.12.2013) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 466 of 2013), art. 10.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.04.2012) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 110 of 2012), art. 6(1); revoked (10.07.2013) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 239 of 2013), art. 13.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (22.08.2011) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 406 of 2011), art. 6(1); revoked (10.04.2012) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 110 of 2012), art. 11.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (7.07.2008) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 200 of 2008), art. 6(c)(ii), in effect as per art. 1(2); revoked (22.08.2011) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 406 of 2011), art. 10, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (15.01.2005) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 70 of 2005), art. 7(c)(ii); revoked (7.07.2008) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 200 of 2008), art. 10, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.08.2004) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 444 of 2004), art. 7(c)(ii); revoked (15.01.2005) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 70 of 2005), art. 11.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.10.1997) by District Court (Fees) Order 1997 (S.I. No. 369 of 1997), art. 5(a)(i), in effect as per art. 1(2); revoked (16.07.2001) by District Court (Fees) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 253 of 2001), art. 7, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.01.1990) by District Court (Fees) Order 1989 (S.I. No. 343 of 1989), art. 6, in effect as per art. 1(2); revoked (1.10.1997) by District Court (Fees) Order 1997 (S.I. No. 369 of 1997), art. 7, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.01.1990) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1989 (S.I. No. 342 of 1989), art. 5, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (4.10.1999) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1999 (S.I. No. 292 of 1999), art. 8, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.01.1990) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 1989 (S.I. No. 341 of 1989), art. 8, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (16.07.2001) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 251 of 2001), art. 11, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.03.1984) by District Court (Fees) Order 1984 (S.I. No. 21 of 1984), art. 5, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (1.01.1990) by District Court (Fees) Order 1989 (S.I. No. 343 of 1989), art. 4, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 by District Court (Fees) Order 1982 (S.I. No. 45 of 1982), art. 5, as substituted (1.08.1983) by District Court (Fees) Order 1983 (S.I. No. 207 of 1983) art. 5, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (1.03.1984) by District Court (Fees) Order 1984 (S.I. No. 21 of 1984), art. 4(2), in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (29.03.1982) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1982 (S.I. No. 44 of 1982), art. 7, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (1.03.1984) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1984 (S.I. No. 20 of 1984), art. 7, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (29.03.1982) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 1982 (S.I. No. 43 of 1982), art. 8, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (1.03.1984) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 1984 (S.I. No. 19 of 1984), art. 11, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (31.01.1974) by Courts (Guardianship of Infants) (Fees) Order 1974 (S.I. No. 13 of 1974), art. 4, in effect as per art. 2; revoked (29.03.1982) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 1982 (S.I. No. 43 of 1982), art. 11, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>E12<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provisions: provision for no fees being payable in family law proceedings, any matrimonial cause or matter or proceedings brought by a health board, health authority or Health Service Executive in any matter relating to minors made:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.07.2013) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 23 of 2014), art. 3; revoked (30.10.2014) by Circuit Court (Fees) (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 491 of 2014), art. 6.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.07.2013) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 240 of 2013), art. 3; revoked (3.02.2014) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 23 of 2014), art. 6.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.04.2012) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 109 of 2012), art. 3; revoked (10.07.2013) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 240 of 2013), art. 6.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.04.2012) by District Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 108 of 2012), art. 3; revoked (10.07.2013) by District Court (Fees) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 241 of 2013), art. 5.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (22.08.2011) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 407 of 2011), art. 3; revoked (10.04.2012) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 109 of 2012), art. 5.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (22.08.2011) by District Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 408 of 2011), art. 3; revoked (10.04.2012) by District Court (Fees) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 108 of 2012), art. 5.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (10.03.2003) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2003 (S.I. No. 89 of 2003), art. 7(1), in effect as per art. 1(2); revoked (1.08.2004) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 444 of 2004), art. 11, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 (1.01.2002) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 488 of 2001), art. 7(1), in effect as per art. 1(2); revoked (10.03.2003) by Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2003 (S.I. No. 89 of 2003), art. 11, in effect as per art. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>E13<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: provision for court fees for proceedings under Act made (1.03.1984) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1984 (S.I. No. 20 of 1984), in effect as per art. 2; revoked (1.03.1985) by Circuit Court (Fees) Order 1985 (S.I. No. 37 of 1985, art. 7, in effect as per art. 2.<\/p>\n<p>PART I<\/p>\n<p>Preliminary and General<\/p>\n<p>Short title.<\/p>\n<p>1.\u2014This Act may be cited as the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964.<\/p>\n<p>F1[<\/p>\n<h4>Interpretation.<\/h4>\n<p>2.\u2014(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires\u2014<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;the Act of 1987&#8221; means the Status of Children Act, 1987;<\/p>\n<p>F2[&#8220;Act of 2010&#8221; means the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010;]<\/p>\n<p>F3[&#8220;Act of 2015&#8221; means the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015;]<\/p>\n<p>F4[&#8220;adoption order&#8221; has the same meaning as it has in the Adoption Act 2010;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;child&#8221; means a person who has not attained full age;<\/p>\n<p>F2[&#8220;civil partner&#8221; shall be construed in accordance with section 3 of the Act of 2010;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;cohabitant&#8221; shall be construed in accordance with section 172(1) of the Act of 2010;<\/p>\n<p>F3[&#8220;donor-conceived child&#8221; has the meaning it has in Part 2 of the Act of 2015;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;enactment&#8221; means a statute or an instrument made under a power conferred by statute;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;enforcement order&#8221; shall be construed in accordance with section 18A(1);]<\/p>\n<p>F4[&#8220;father&#8221; includes a male adopter under an adoption order but subject to section 11(4), does not include the father of a child who has not married that child\u2019s mother unless\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) an order under section 6A is in force in respect of that child,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the circumstances set out in subsection (3) of this section apply,<\/p>\n<p>(c) the circumstances set out in subsection (4) of this section apply,<\/p>\n<p>(d) the circumstances set out in subsection (4A) of this section apply, or<\/p>\n<p>(e) the father is a guardian of the child by virtue of section 6D;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;maintenance&#8221; includes education;<\/p>\n<p>F2[&#8220;Minister&#8221; means the Minister for Justice and Equality;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;mother&#8221; includes a female adopter under an adoption order;<\/p>\n<p>F3[&#8220;parent&#8221; means\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) subject to paragraph (b), a father or mother as defined by this subsection, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) in relation to a donor-conceived child, the parent or parents of that child under section 5 of the Act of 2015;]<\/p>\n<p>F2[&#8220;qualifying guardian&#8221;, in relation to a child, means a person who is a guardian of that child and who\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) is the parent of the child and has custody of him or her, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) not being a parent of the child has custody of him or her to the exclusion of any living parent of the child;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;relative&#8221;, in relation to a child, means a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt of the child;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;testamentary guardian&#8221; means a guardian appointed by deed or will;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;welfare&#8221;, in relation to a child, comprises the religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social welfare of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) A reference, however expressed, in this Act to a child whose father and mother have not married each other shall, except in a case to which subsection (3) relates, be construed in accordance with section 4 of the Act of 1987.<\/p>\n<p>(3) (a) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of &#8220;father&#8221; in subsection (1) are that the father and mother of the child concerned have at some time gone through a ceremony of marriage and the ceremony resulted in\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) a voidable marriage in respect of which a decree of nullity was granted after, or at some time during the period of 10 months before, the birth of the child, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) a void marriage which the father reasonably believed (whether or not such belief was due to a mistake of law or of fact) resulted in a valid marriage\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(I) where the ceremony occurred before the birth of the child, at some time during the period of 10 months before that birth, or<\/p>\n<p>(II) where the ceremony occurred after the birth of the child, at the time of that ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>(b) It shall be presumed for the purposes of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a), unless the contrary is shown, that the father reasonably believed that the ceremony of marriage to which that subparagraph relates resulted in a valid marriage.<\/p>\n<p>(4) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (c) of the definition of &#8220;father&#8221; in subsection (1) are that the father and mother of the child concerned, not being a father or mother to whom the circumstances set out in subsection (3) apply\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) have not married each other,<\/p>\n<p>(b) declare that they are the father and mother of the child concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(c) agree to the appointment of the father as a guardian of the F5[child, and]<\/p>\n<p>(d) F6[\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>(e) have made a statutory declaration to that effect as may be prescribed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.<\/p>\n<p>F7[(4A) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (d) of the definition of &#8220;father&#8221; in subsection (1) are that the father and mother of the child concerned\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) have not married each other, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) have been cohabitants for not less than 12 consecutive months occurring after the date on which this subsection comes into operation, which shall include a period, occurring at any time after the birth of the child, of not less than three consecutive months during which both the mother and father have lived with the child.]<\/p>\n<p>(5) In this Act\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a reference to a Part or section is a reference to a Part or section of this Act, unless it is indicated that a reference to some other enactment is intended,<\/p>\n<p>(b) a reference to a subsection or paragraph is a reference to the subsection or paragraph of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that a reference to some other provision is intended, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) a reference to any enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any subsequent enactment.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F1<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 4, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F2<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(a)(iv), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F3<br \/>\nInserted (4.05.2020) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(a)(iii), (iv), S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>F4<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(a)(ii), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F5<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(b)(i), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F6<br \/>\nDeleted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(b)(ii), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F7<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 43(c), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C6<br \/>\nDefinition of term \u201cfather\u201d extended (1.01.2011) by Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000 (37\/2000), s. 3(2)(e), S.I. No. 650 of 2010.<\/p>\n<p>Application of Convention in the State.<\/p>\n<p>3.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(e) The definition of \u201cfather\u201d in section 2 (inserted by the Children Act, 1997) of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, shall include the father of a child who has, by virtue of Article 16, acquired parental responsibility corresponding to guardianship in relation to the child by operation of the law of a state other than the State, and section 8(4) (which provides that certain guardians may be removed from office only by the court), as so inserted, of that Act shall apply in relation to such a father.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E14<br \/>\nPower pursuant to subs. (4)(e) exercised (10.06.2020) by Guardianship of Children (Statutory Declaration) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 210 of 2020).<\/p>\n<p>E15<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: definition of \u201cadoption order\u201d substituted (1.11.2010) by Adoption Act 2010 (21\/2010), s. 162, S.I. No. 511 of 2010; substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E16<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: power pursuant to subs. (4)(e) exercised (1.02.1998) by Guardianship of Infants (Statutory Declaration) Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 5 of 1998), reg. 3; revoked (10.06.2020) by Guardianship of Children (Statutory Declaration) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 210 of 2020, reg. 5.<\/p>\n<p>E17<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: definition of \u201cfather\u201d substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 4, commenced as per s. 1(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E18<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: section substituted (14.06.1988) by Status of Children Act 1987 (26\/1987), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2)(b); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>F8[<\/p>\n<h4>References in enactments to guardians appointed under section 6C or 6E<\/h4>\n<p>2A. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a reference in a provision of an enactment specified in section 6C(12) to a person who is a guardian of a child pursuant to this Act shall include a reference to a person who is appointed as guardian of the child under that section if the court so appointing the person orders that he or she is to enjoy the rights and responsibilities of a guardian under the provision concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Subsection (1) shall apply subject to such limitations (if any) as may be specified under section 6C(9) in the order of the court under that section appointing the person concerned as guardian of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(3) A reference in a provision of an enactment to a person who is a guardian of a child pursuant to this Act shall, in the case of a temporary guardian appointed under section 6E, be construed subject to such limitations (if any) as are imposed under subsection (6) or (11) of that section on the exercise by him or her of the rights and responsibilities of a guardian under the provision.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F8<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 44, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<h4>Welfare of child to be paramount.<\/h4>\n<p>F10[3.\u2014 (1) Where, in any proceedings before any court, the\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) administration of any property belonging to or held on trust for a child or the application of the income thereof,<\/p>\n<p>is in question, the court, in deciding that question, shall regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.<\/p>\n<p>(2) In proceedings to which subsection (1) applies, the court shall determine the best interests of the child concerned in accordance with Part V.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F9<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F10<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 45, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E19<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: section amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<h4>Proof of paternity in certain proceedings.<\/h4>\n<p>F11[3A.\u2014Where in any proceedings before any court on an application for an order under this Act (other than so much of any proceedings as section 15 of the Act of 1987 relates to) in respect of a F12[child] whose father and mother have not married each other, a person (being a party to the proceedings) is alleged to be, or alleges that he is, the father of the F12[child] but that allegation is not admitted by a party to the proceedings, the court shall not on that application make any final order which imposes any obligation or confers any right on that person unless it is proved on the balance of probabilities that he is the father of the F12[child]:<\/p>\n<p>Provided that this section applies only where the fact that that person is or is not the father of the F12[child] is material to the proceedings.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F11<br \/>\nInserted (14.06.1988) by Status of Children Act 1987 (26\/1987) s. 10, commenced as per s. 1(2)(b).<\/p>\n<p>F12<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Repeals.<\/p>\n<p>4.\u2014Each enactment specified in the Schedule is hereby repealed to the extent indicated in the third column of the Schedule.<\/p>\n<p>PART II<\/p>\n<p>Guardianship<\/p>\n<h4>Jurisdiction in guardianship matters.<\/h4>\n<p>F13[5.\u2014(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the jurisdiction conferred on a court by this Part may be exercised by the Circuit Court or the District Court.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The District Court and the Circuit Court, on appeal from the District Court, shall not have jurisdiction to make an order under this Act for the payment of a periodical sum F14[at a rate greater than \u20ac150 per week towards the maintenance of a child or a lump sum order greater than \u20ac15,000 for the benefit of a child].<\/p>\n<p>(3) The jurisdiction conferred by this Part is in addition to any other jurisdiction to appoint or remove guardians or as to the wardship of F15[children] or the care of F15[children]\u2019s estates.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F13<br \/>\nSubstituted (12.05.1982) by Courts Act 1981 (11\/1981) s. 15(1)(a), commenced as per s. 33(3).<\/p>\n<p>F14<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 46, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F15<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E20<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: amount of weekly payment increased (15.08.1991) by Courts Act 1991 (20\/1991), s. 12, commenced as per s. 23(3).<\/p>\n<p>E21<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (2) amended (1.10.2002) by Courts and Court Officers Act 2002 (15\/2002), s. 21, S.I. No. 407 of 2002; superseded as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E22<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (2) amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); superseded as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<h4>Rights of parents to guardianship.<\/h4>\n<p>6.\u2014F16[(1) The following persons shall be guardians of a child jointly:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the father and mother of the child, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) where a married couple of the same sex have jointly adopted a child under an adoption order, each of the married couple. ]<\/p>\n<p>F17[(1A) Where civil partners or a cohabiting couple have jointly adopted a child under an adoption order the civil partners or cohabiting couple, as the case may be, shall be guardians of the child jointly.]<\/p>\n<p>(2) On the death of the father of a F18[child] the mother, if surviving, shall be guardian of the F18[child], either alone or jointly with any guardian appointed by the father or by the court.<\/p>\n<p>(3) On the death of the mother of a F18[child] the father, if surviving, shall be guardian of the F18[child], either alone or jointly with any guardian appointed by the mother or by the court.<\/p>\n<p>F17[(3A) (a) On the death of a civil partner who has jointly adopted a child with their civil partner, the other civil partner, if surviving, shall be guardian of the child, either alone or jointly with any guardian appointed by the deceased civil partner or by the court.<\/p>\n<p>(b) On the death of one cohabitant of a cohabiting couple who have jointly adopted a child, the other cohabitant, if surviving, shall be guardian of the child, either alone or jointly with any guardian appointed by the deceased cohabitant or by the court.]<\/p>\n<p>F19[(3B) On the death of a spouse who has jointly adopted a child with his or her spouse of the same sex, the other spouse, if surviving, shall be guardian of the child, either alone or jointly with any guardian appointed by the deceased spouse or by the court.]<\/p>\n<p>F20[(4) Subject to subsection (1A), where the mother of a child has not married the child\u2019s father, and no other person is, under this Act, the guardian of the child, she, while living, shall alone be the guardian of the child.]<\/p>\n<p>F21[(5) In this section, &#8220;cohabiting couple&#8221; has the same meaning as it has in the Adoption Act 2010.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F16<br \/>\nSubstituted (16.11.2015) by Marriage Act 2015 (35\/2015), s. 16(a)(i), S.I. No. 504 of 2015.<\/p>\n<p>F17<br \/>\nInserted (2.11.2017) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 47(a) and (b), S.I. No. 474 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F18<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F19<br \/>\nInserted (16.11.2015) by Marriage Act 2015 (35\/2015), s. 16(a)(ii), S.I. No. 504 of 2015.<\/p>\n<p>F20<br \/>\nSubstituted (31.07.2017 and 2.11.2017) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 47(c), S.I. No. 355 of 2017 and S.I. No. 474 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F21<br \/>\nInserted (2.11.2017) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 47(d), S.I. No. 474 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C7<br \/>\nApplication of Act confirmed not affected by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24\/2010), s. 113(2), as inserted (2.11.2017) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 151, S.I. No. 474 of 2017, art. 3(d).<\/p>\n<p>Effect of decree of dissolution.<\/p>\n<p>113.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the grant of a decree of dissolution shall not affect the rights of the parents of a child, under section 6 or 6B of the Act of 1964, to be guardians of the child jointly.<\/p>\n<p>C8<br \/>\nApplication of Act confirmed not affected (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33\/1996), s. 10(2), commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Effect of decree of divorce.<\/p>\n<p>10.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the grant of a decree of divorce shall not affect the right of the father and mother of an infant, under section 6 of the Act of 1964, to be guardians of the infant jointly.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E23<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 5, commenced as per s. 1(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E24<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (14.06.1988) by Status of Children Act 1987 (26\/1987) s. 11, in force per s. 1(2)(b); superseded as per E-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E25<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (1) amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); subsection substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>F22[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court to appoint parent as guardian<\/h4>\n<p>6A.\u2014 (1) The court may, on an application to it by a person who, being a parent of the child, is not a guardian of the child, make an order appointing the person as guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to other provisions of this Act, the appointment under this section of a guardian shall not, unless the court otherwise orders, affect the prior appointment (whether under this or any other enactment) of any other person as guardian of the child.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F22<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 48, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E26<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provisions: section amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), ss. 6, 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); section substituted (18.01.2016) as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E27<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: power pursuant to section exercised (19.06.1990) by Circuit Court Rules (No. 1) 1990 (S.I. No. 152 of 1990); annulled (1.12.2001) by Circuit Court Rules 2001 (S.I. No. 510 of 2001), in effect as per unnumbered rule entitled &#8220;Annulment of Existing Rules&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>E28<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: section inserted (14.06.1988) by Status of Children Act 1987 (26\/1987), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2)(b); substituted (18.01.2016) as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>F23[<\/p>\n<h4>Rights of certain parents to guardianship<\/h4>\n<p>6B.(1) A F24[person] who\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) is, under section 5(1)(b) of the Act of 2015, the parent of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) has married the mother of the child,<\/p>\n<p>shall be a guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) A person, other than a person to whom subsection (1) applies, who, along with the mother of the child is, under section 5 of the Act of 2015, the parent of a child shall be a guardian of the child where\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the person has entered into a civil partnership with the mother,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the circumstances in subsection (3) apply, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) the circumstances in subsection (4) apply.<\/p>\n<p>(3) The circumstances referred to in subsection (2)(b) are that the person and the mother of the child concerned have been cohabitants for not less than 12 consecutive months occurring after the date on which this subsection comes into operation, which shall include a period, occurring at any time after the birth of the child, of not less than three consecutive months during which both the mother and the person have lived with the child.<\/p>\n<p>(4) The circumstances referred to in subsection (2)(c) are that the person and the mother of the child concerned\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) declare that they are the parents, under section 5 of the Act of 2015, of the child concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(b) declare that they agree to the appointment of the person as a guardian of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) have made a statutory declaration to that effect in a form prescribed by the Minister.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F23<br \/>\nInserted (4.05.2020) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 49, S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>F24<br \/>\nSubstituted (16.11.2015) by Marriage Act 2015 (35\/2015), s. 16(b), S.I. No. 504 of 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C9<br \/>\nApplication of Act confirmed not affected by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24\/2010), s. 113(2) as inserted (4.05.2020) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 151, S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Effect of decree of dissolution.<\/p>\n<p>113.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the grant of a decree of dissolution shall not affect the rights of the parents of a child, under section 6 or 6B of the Act of 1964, to be guardians of the child jointly.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E29<br \/>\nPower pursuant to subs. (4)(c) exercised (10.06.2020) by Guardianship of Children (Statutory Declaration) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 210 of 2020.<\/p>\n<p>F25[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court to appoint person other than parent as guardian<\/h4>\n<p>6C.\u2014(1) The court may, on an application to it by a person who, not being a parent of the child, is eligible under subsection (2) to make such application, make an order appointing the person as guardian of a child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) A person is eligible to make an application referred to in subsection (1) where he or she is over the age of 18 years and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) on the date of the application, he or she\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) is married to or is in a civil partnership with, or has been for over 3 years a cohabitant of, a parent of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) has shared with that parent responsibility for the child\u2019s day-to-day care for a period of more than 2 years,<\/p>\n<p>or<\/p>\n<p>(b) on the date of the application\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) he or she has provided for the child\u2019s day-to-day care for a continuous period of more than 12 months, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) the child has no parent or guardian who is willing or able to exercise the rights and responsibilities of guardianship in respect of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(3) An application under subsection (1) shall be on notice to each person who is a parent or guardian of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(4) Where a person to whom subsection (2)(b) applies makes an application under subsection (1), the court shall direct that the Child and Family Agency be put on notice of the application, and have regard to the views (if any) of the Agency in deciding whether or not to make an order under subsection (1).<\/p>\n<p>(5) Without prejudice to other provisions of this Act, the appointment under this section of a guardian shall not, unless the court otherwise orders, affect the prior appointment (whether under this or any other enactment) of any other person as guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(6) Subject to subsection (7), an order under subsection (1) shall not be made under this section without the consent of\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) each guardian of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) the applicant concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(7) The court may make an order dispensing, for the purposes of this section, with the consent of a guardian of the child, if it is satisfied that the consent is unreasonably withheld and that it is in the best interests of the child to make such an order.<\/p>\n<p>(8) In deciding whether or not to make an order under this section, the court shall\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) ensure that the child concerned, to the extent possible given his or her age and understanding, has the opportunity to make his or her views on the matter known, and have regard to those views, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) have regard to the number of persons who are guardians of the child concerned, and the degree to which those persons are involved in the upbringing of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(9) Where the court appoints under this section a person as guardian of a child, and one or both of the parents of that child are still living, the person so appointed shall enjoy the rights and responsibilities of a guardian specified in subsection (11) only\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) where the court expressly so orders, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) to the extent specified in the order and in the case of the rights and responsibilities specified in any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of that subsection, subject to such limitations as are specified in the order.<\/p>\n<p>(10) In deciding whether to exercise its power under subsection (9), the court shall have regard to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the relationship between the child concerned and the person appointed as guardian of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) the best interests of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(11) The rights and responsibilities referred to in subsection (9) are the rights and responsibilities of a guardian:<\/p>\n<p>(a) to decide on the child\u2019s place of residence;<\/p>\n<p>(b) to make decisions regarding the child\u2019s religious, spiritual, cultural and linguistic upbringing;<\/p>\n<p>(c) to decide with whom the child is to live;<\/p>\n<p>(d) to consent to medical, dental and other health related treatment for the child, in respect of which a guardian\u2019s consent is required;<\/p>\n<p>(e) under an enactment specified in subsection (12);<\/p>\n<p>(f) to place the child for adoption, and consent to the adoption of the child, under the Adoption Act 2010.<\/p>\n<p>(12) The enactments referred to in subsection (11)(e) are:<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 2A(2) of the Firearms Act 1925;<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 5 of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996;<\/p>\n<p>(c) sections 50 and 50A of the International Criminal Court Act 2006;<\/p>\n<p>(d) sections 79, 79A and 79B of the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008;<\/p>\n<p>(e) section 14 of the Passports Act 2008;<\/p>\n<p>(f) the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F25<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 49, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F26[<\/p>\n<h4>Rights and responsibilities equivalent to guardianship arising in another state<\/h4>\n<p>6D.\u2014 (1) Subject to this section, a person shall be the guardian of a child where he or she has\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) pursuant to a F27[decision, authentic instrument or agreement] that is entitled to recognition in accordance with the provisions of the Council Regulation or the Convention,<\/p>\n<p>(b) pursuant to a measure that is entitled to recognition in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) by operation of the law of a state other than the State as provided for in Chapter III of the Convention,<\/p>\n<p>acquired, in respect of the child, rights and responsibilities that are equivalent to guardianship.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The court may, in accordance with this Act and, where applicable, the Council Regulation and the Convention, remove, vary or enforce the rights and responsibilities of a guardian to whom subsection (1) applies.<\/p>\n<p>(3) In this section\u2014<\/p>\n<p>F28[&#8220;agreement&#8221; has the same meaning as it has in Article 2 of the Council Regulation;]<\/p>\n<p>F28[&#8220;authentic instrument&#8221; has the same meaning as it has in Article 2 of the Council Regulation;]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Convention&#8221; means the Convention on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition, enforcement and co-operation in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the protection of children, signed at the Hague on the 19th day of October, 1996;<\/p>\n<p>F27[&#8220;Council Regulation&#8221; means Council Regulation (EU) 2019\/1111 of 25 June 20191;]<\/p>\n<p>F28[&#8220;decision&#8221; has the same meaning as it has in Article 2 of the Council Regulation;]<\/p>\n<p>F29[\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;measure&#8221; means a judgment or decision which is made in accordance with Chapter II of the Convention;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;person&#8221; includes a person, institution or other body.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F26<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 49, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F27<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.08.2022) by European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), reg. 8(a), (b)(i), in effect as per reg. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F28<br \/>\nInserted (1.08.2022) by European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), reg. 8(b)(ii), in effect as per reg. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F29<br \/>\nDeleted (1.08.2022) by European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), reg. 8(c), in effect as per reg. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>1 OJ L 178, 2.7.2019, p. 1<\/p>\n<p>F30[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court to appoint temporary guardian<\/h4>\n<p>6E.\u2014 (1) A qualifying guardian may nominate a person to be, in the event that the qualifying guardian becomes incapable through serious illness or injury of exercising the rights and responsibilities of guardianship, temporary guardian of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The nomination under subsection (1) of a person to be a temporary guardian shall\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) be in writing, in such form as may be prescribed, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) specify such limitations (if any) as the qualifying guardian wishes to impose on the rights and responsibilities of guardianship that the temporary guardian, if appointed under this section, may exercise.<\/p>\n<p>(3) Where a qualifying guardian who has nominated a person under subsection (1), or a person so-nominated (in this section referred to as the &#8220;nominated person&#8221;), is of opinion that the qualifying guardian is incapable through serious illness or injury of exercising the rights and responsibilities of guardianship, that guardian or nominated person may apply to the court for an order under this section.<\/p>\n<p>(4) An application under subsection (3) shall be on notice to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) each guardian of the child, including, where the application is made by the nominated person, the qualifying guardian concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(b) where the application is made by the qualifying guardian concerned, the nominated person,<\/p>\n<p>(c) a parent (if any) of the child who is not the child\u2019s guardian, and<\/p>\n<p>(d) the Child and Family Agency.<\/p>\n<p>(5) The court, on hearing an application under subsection (3), and having regard to the views (if any) of the persons referred to in subsection (4), may make an order appointing the nominated person to be a temporary guardian of the child concerned where, and only where, it is satisfied that\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the qualifying guardian concerned is incapable through serious illness or injury of exercising the rights and responsibilities of guardianship,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the nominated person is a fit and proper person to exercise the rights and responsibilities specified in subsection (8), and<\/p>\n<p>(c) it is in the best interests of the child concerned for the nominated person to become the temporary guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(6) An order under subsection (5) may impose\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) such limitations on the exercise by the temporary guardian of the rights and responsibilities of guardianship, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) such conditions relating to the periodic review by the court of the appointment of the person as temporary guardian,<\/p>\n<p>as the court considers necessary in the best interests of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(7) In imposing limitations or conditions under subsection (6), the court shall have regard to the limitations specified by the qualifying guardian under subsection (2).<\/p>\n<p>(8) Subject to the terms of the order concerned under subsection (5), a person appointed to be temporary guardian\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) may exercise the rights and responsibilities of guardianship in respect of the child concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(b) shall take custody of the child concerned, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) shall act jointly with any other guardian of the child concerned, including the qualifying guardian concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(9) A temporary guardian shall, and the qualifying guardian concerned may, where he or she is of opinion that the qualifying guardian is no longer incapable of exercising the rights and responsibilities of guardianship, apply to the court for an order under subsection (11).<\/p>\n<p>(10) An application under subsection (9) shall be on notice to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) each guardian of the child concerned, including, where the application is made by a temporary guardian, the qualifying guardian concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(b) any parent of the child who is not the child\u2019s guardian, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) the Child and Family Agency.<\/p>\n<p>(11) The court, on hearing an application under subsection (9), may make an order\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) confirming that the appointment of the temporary guardian shall continue in force,<\/p>\n<p>(b) to the effect that the qualifying guardian is capable of exercising the rights and responsibilities of guardianship and revoking the appointment of the temporary guardian, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) to the effect that the qualifying guardian shall have specified rights and responsibilities of guardianship and that the other rights and responsibilities of guardianship shall be exercised by the qualifying guardian and temporary guardian jointly.<\/p>\n<p>(12) An order under subsection (11) may\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) specify the period for which it shall remain in effect,<\/p>\n<p>(b) impose such conditions relating to the periodic review by the court of the order as the court considers necessary in the best interests of the child concerned, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) provide for such additional matters as the court considers necessary in the best interests of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(13) In considering an application under subsection (3) or (9), the court shall ensure that the child concerned, to the extent possible given his or her age and understanding, has the opportunity to make his or her views on the matter known, and the court shall take account of those views.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F30<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 49, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F31[<\/p>\n<h4>Declaration that person is guardian<\/h4>\n<p>6F.\u2014(1) A person specified in subsection (2) may apply to the court for a declaration under this section that a person named in the application is or is not a guardian by virtue of the circumstances set out in section 2(4A) or 6B(3) of a child named in the application (in this section referred to as the &#8220;child concerned&#8221;).<\/p>\n<p>(2) An application for a declaration under this section may be made, in relation to a child concerned, by\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a guardian of the child concerned, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) a person seeking a declaration that he or she is or is not a guardian by virtue of the circumstances set out in section 2(4A) or 6B(3) of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(3) An application for a declaration under this section shall not be made in relation to a child concerned other than\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) where the application is made by a person referred to in subsection (2)(a), on notice to each other guardian of the child and the person named in the application in relation to whom the declaration is sought, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) where the application is made by a person referred to in subsection (2)(b), on notice to each guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(4) The court may direct that notice of any application for a declaration under this section shall be given to such other persons as the court thinks fit and where notice is so given or where notice is given under subsection (3) to any person the court may, either of its own motion or on the application of that person or any party to the proceedings, order that that person shall be added as a party to those proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>(5) Where on an application for a declaration under this section it is proved on the balance of probabilities that a person named in the application is or is not a guardian by virtue of the circumstances set out in section 2(4A) or 6B(3) of the child concerned, the court shall make the declaration accordingly.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F31<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 49, other than in so far as it relates to s. 6B(3), S.I. No. 12 of 2016; and (4.05.2020) in so far as it relates to s. 6B(3), S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>F32[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of parents to appoint testamentary guardians<\/h4>\n<p>7.\u2014 (1) On the death of the guardian (&#8220;deceased guardian&#8221;) of a child, a guardian (&#8220;surviving guardian&#8221;) surviving the deceased guardian, if any, shall be guardian of the child jointly, where applicable, with\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) any other surviving guardian, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) any person or persons appointed testamentary guardian by the deceased guardian in accordance with this section.<\/p>\n<p>(2) A guardian who is\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the parent of a child, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) not being the parent of the child, has custody of him or her to the exclusion of any living parent of the child,<\/p>\n<p>may by deed or will appoint a person or persons to be guardian (&#8220;testamentary guardian&#8221;) of the child after his or her death.<\/p>\n<p>(3) On the death of a guardian referred to in subsection (2), the testamentary guardian appointed by the deceased guardian shall, subject to subsections (4) and (5), act jointly with a surviving guardian of the child so long as that surviving guardian remains alive.<\/p>\n<p>(4) Where subsection (3) applies and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a surviving guardian referred to in that subsection objects to a testamentary guardian acting jointly with him or her, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) the testamentary guardian considers that a surviving guardian is unfit to have the custody of the child,<\/p>\n<p>the surviving guardian or the testamentary guardian, as the case may be, may apply to the court for an order under this section.<\/p>\n<p>(5) On an application under subsection (4), the court may make an order providing that\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the appointment of the testamentary guardian is revoked and the surviving guardian shall remain guardian of the child concerned,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the testamentary guardian shall act jointly with the surviving guardian, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) the testamentary guardian shall act as guardian of the child to the exclusion, insofar as the court thinks proper, of the surviving guardian.<\/p>\n<p>(6) Where the court makes an order under subsection (5)(c), it may make all or any of the following orders:<\/p>\n<p>(a) such order regarding the custody of the child and the right of access to the child of the surviving guardian as it thinks proper;<\/p>\n<p>(b) an order that a parent of the child shall pay to the guardian or guardians, or any of them, towards the maintenance of the child such weekly or other periodical sum as, having regard to the means of the surviving parent, it considers reasonable.<\/p>\n<p>(7) An appointment of a testamentary guardian by deed may be revoked by a subsequent deed or by will.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F32<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 50, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C10<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C11<br \/>\nEnforcement of orders under section provided (12.07.1986) by Courts (No. 2) Act 1986 (26\/1986), s. 5, commenced on enactment; as amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 14(a) and (b), commenced as per s. 1(2). A fine of \u00a31,500 converted (1.01.1999) to \u20ac1,904.61. This translates into a class C fine, not exceeding \u20ac2,500, as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8\/2010), ss. 3, 6(3) and table ref. no. 1, S.I. No. 662 of 2010.<\/p>\n<p>Enforcement of certain orders under Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.<\/p>\n<p>5.\u2014(1) In this section \u201cthe Act of 1964\u201d means the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by the Courts Act, 1981, [the Age of Majority Act, 1985, the Status of Children Act, 1987, and the Children Act, 1997].<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court, where the District Court has made an order under [section 7, 11 or 11B] of the Act of 1964 containing a direction regarding\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the custody of an infant, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) the right of access to an infant,<\/p>\n<p>any person having the actual custody of the infant who, having been given or shown a copy of the order and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) having been required, by or on behalf of a person to whom the custody of the infant is committed by the direction, to give up the infant to that person, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) having been required, by or on behalf of a person entitled to access to the infant in accordance with the direction, to allow that person to have such access,<\/p>\n<p>fails or refuses to comply with the requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [\u00a31,500] or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [twelve months] or to both such fine and such imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E30<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: section amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E31<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (7) repealed (1.01.1967) by Succession Act 1965 (27\/1965), s. 8 and sch. 2, S.I. No. 168 of 1966, subject to transitional provisions in s. 9; section substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<h4>Appointment and removal of guardians by court.<\/h4>\n<p>8.\u2014(1) Where a F33[child] has no guardian, the court, on the application of any person or persons, may appoint the applicant or applicants or any of them to be the guardian or guardians of the F33[child].<\/p>\n<p>(2) When no guardian has been appointed by a deceased parent or if a guardian so appointed dies or refuses to act, the court may appoint a guardian or guardians to act jointly with the surviving parent.<\/p>\n<p>(3) A guardian appointed by the court to act jointly with a surviving parent shall continue to act as guardian after the death of the surviving parent.<\/p>\n<p>F34[(4) A guardian\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) appointed by will or deed,<\/p>\n<p>(b) appointed by order of the court,<\/p>\n<p>(c) holding office by virtue of the circumstances set out in subsection (4) or (4A) of section 2, or subsection (3) or (4) of section 6B, or<\/p>\n<p>(d) holding office by virtue of section 6D, and subject to subsection (2) of that section,<\/p>\n<p>may be removed from office only by the court.]<\/p>\n<p>(5) The court may appoint another guardian in place of a guardian so removed or in place of a guardian appointed by any such order who dies.<\/p>\n<p>F35[(6) The court may, on application by a guardian or a proposed guardian make an order removing from office a guardian (including a guardian who is the applicant)\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) appointed pursuant to section 6A, 6C, 7 or subsection (1) or (2), or<\/p>\n<p>(b) who holds office by virtue of the circumstances set out in subsection (4) or (4A) of section 2, or subsection (3) or (4) of section 6B, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) who holds office by virtue of section 6D.<\/p>\n<p>(7) The court shall remove a guardian from office under subsection (6) only where\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) there is another guardian in place or about to be appointed,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the court is satisfied that it is in the best interests of the child that the guardian be removed from office,<\/p>\n<p>(c) for substantial reasons that appear to it to be sufficient, the court considers it necessary or desirable to do so, and<\/p>\n<p>(d) the guardian who is to be removed from office\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) consents to the removal,<\/p>\n<p>(ii) is unable or unwilling to exercise the powers, responsibilities and entitlements of guardianship in respect of the child, or<\/p>\n<p>(iii) has failed in his or her duty towards the child to such extent that the safety or welfare of the child is likely to be prejudicially affected if he or she is not removed from office.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F33<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F34<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 51(a), S.I. No. 12 of 2016, other than in so far as this section as amended relates to s. 6B; and (4.05.2020) in so far as this section as amended relates to s. 6B, S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>F35<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 51(b), S.I. No. 12 of 2016, other than in so far as this section as amended relates to s. 6B; and (4.05.2020) in so far as this section as amended relates to s. 6B, S.I. No. 624 of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C12<br \/>\nApplication of section extended (1.01.2011) by Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000 (37\/2000), s. 3(2)(e), S.I. No. 650 of 2010.<\/p>\n<p>Application of Convention in the State.<\/p>\n<p>3.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(e) The definition of \u201cfather\u201d in section 2 (inserted by the Children Act, 1997) of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, shall include the father of a child who has, by virtue of Article 16, acquired parental responsibility corresponding to guardianship in relation to the child by operation of the law of a state other than the State, and section 8(4) (which provides that certain guardians may be removed from office only by the court), as so inserted, of that Act shall apply in relation to such a father.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C13<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995 as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2) and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child&#8217;s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E32<br \/>\nNote: amendments to subss. (4), (6) and (7) commenced only in part; see F-notes above.<\/p>\n<p>F36[<\/p>\n<h4>Duration of guardianship<\/h4>\n<p>8A.\u2014Subject to section 8, a person continues to be a guardian of a child until whichever of the following occurs first\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the guardian dies,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the child attains the age of 18 years, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) the child marries.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F36<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 52, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<h4>Provisions where two or more guardians appointed.<\/h4>\n<p>9.\u2014(1) Where two or more persons are appointed to be guardians they shall act jointly and on the death of any of them the survivor or survivors shall continue to act.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Where guardians are appointed by both parents the guardians so appointed shall after the death of the surviving parent act jointly.<\/p>\n<h4>Powers and duties of guardians.<\/h4>\n<p>10.\u2014(1) Every guardian under this Act shall be a guardian of the person and of the estate of the F37[child] unless, in the case of a guardian appointed by deed, will or order of the court, the terms of his appointment otherwise provide.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Subject to the terms of any such deed, will or order, a guardian under this Act\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) as guardian of the person, shall, as against every person not being, jointly with him, a guardian of the person, be entitled to the custody of the F37[child] and shall be entitled to take proceedings for the restoration of his custody of the F37[child] against any person who wrongfully takes away or detains the F37[child] and for the recovery, for the benefit of the F37[child], of damages for any injury to or trespass against the person of the F37[child];<\/p>\n<p>(b) as guardian of the estate, shall be entitled to the possession and control of all property, real and personal, of the F37[child] and shall manage all such property and receive the rents and profits on behalf and for the benefit of the F37[child] until the F37[child] attains the age of twenty-one years or during any shorter period for which he has been appointed guardian and may take such proceedings in relation thereto as may by law be brought by any guardian of the estate of a F37[child].<\/p>\n<p>(3) The provisions of this section are without prejudice to the provisions of any other enactment or to any other powers or duties conferred or imposed by law on parents, guardians or trustees of the property of F38[children].<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F37<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F38<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C14<br \/>\nThe age of twenty-one years mentioned in subs. (2) was reduced to 18 years (1.03.1985) by Age of Majority Act 1985 (2\/1985), s. 2(3), commenced as per s. 9(2). Certain provisions of this 1964 Act are excluded by the Age of Majority Act 1985, s. 2(4), but they relate solely to maintenance liabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Reduction of age of majority.<\/p>\n<p>2.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(3) Where there is, in any statutory provision passed or made before the commencement of this Act, a reference to the age of twenty-one years, such provision shall, subject to subsection (4), be construed and have effect as if the reference therein were a reference to full age.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<h4>Applications to court.<\/h4>\n<p>11.\u2014(1) Any person being a guardian of a F39[child] may apply to the court for its direction on any question affecting the welfare of the F39[child] and the court may make such order as it thinks proper.<\/p>\n<p>F40[(2) The court may by an order under this section\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) give such directions as it thinks proper regarding the custody of the child and the right of access to the child of each of his or her parents, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) order a parent of the child to pay towards the maintenance of the child such weekly or other periodical sum as, having regard to the means of the parent, the court considers reasonable.]<\/p>\n<p>F41[(3) An order under this section may be made on the application of either parent notwithstanding that the parents are then residing together, but an order made under paragraph (a) of subsection (2) shall not be enforceable and no liability thereunder shall accrue while they reside together, and the order shall cease to have effect if for a period of three months after it is made they continue to reside together.]<\/p>\n<p>F40[(4) In the case of a child whose parents have not married each other\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a reference in subsection (2)(b) to a parent of that child shall be construed as including a parent who is not a guardian of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) the right to make an application under this section regarding the custody of the child and the right of access thereto of each of his or her parents shall extend to a parent who is not a guardian of the child, and for this purpose references in this section to the parent of a child shall be construed as including such a parent.]<\/p>\n<p>F42[(5) The court may, of its own motion or on an application under this section, by an order under this section give such directions as it thinks proper to procure a report from such person as it may nominate on any question affecting the welfare of the F43[child].]<\/p>\n<p>F44[(5) A reference in subsection (2)(b) to a child shall include a reference to a person who\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) has not attained the age of 18 years, or\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(b) has attained the age of 18 years and is or will be, or if any order were made under this Act providing for payment of maintenance for the benefit of the person, would be, receiving full-time education or instruction at a university, college, school or other educational establishment, and who has not attained the age of 23 years.<\/p>\n<p>(6) Subsection (2) (b) shall apply to and in relation to a person who has attained the age of 18 years and has a mental or physical disability to such extent that it is not reasonably possible for the person to maintain himself or herself fully, as it applies to a child.]<\/p>\n<p>F42[(6) In deciding whether or not to request a report under subsection (5) of this section the court shall have regard to the wishes of the parties before the court where ascertainable but shall not be bound by the said wishes.<\/p>\n<p>(7) A copy of any report prepared under subsection (5) shall be made available to the barrister or solicitor, if any, representing each party in the proceedings or, if any party is not so represented, to that party and may be received in evidence in the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>(8) Where any person prepares a report pursuant to a request under subsection (5) of this section, the fees and expenses of that person shall be paid by such party or parties to the proceedings as the court shall order.<\/p>\n<p>(9) The court may, if it thinks fit, or either party to the proceedings may, call the person making the report as a witness.]<\/p>\n<p>F45[(10) An application under subsection (1) shall be on notice to each other person who is a parent or guardian of the child concerned.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F39<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F40<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 53(a) and (b), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F41<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.03.1985) by Age of Majority Act 1985 (2\/1985), s. 6(a), commenced as per s. 9(2).<\/p>\n<p>F42<br \/>\nInserted (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 40, commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>F43<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F44<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 8, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F45<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 53(c), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C15<br \/>\nPower to give directions under section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33\/1996), s. 5(2), commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Grant of decree of divorce and custody etc., of children.<\/p>\n<p>5.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(2) Upon the grant of a decree of divorce, the court may, where appropriate, give such directions under section 11 of the Act of 1964 as it considers proper regarding the welfare (within the meaning of that Act), custody of, or right of access to, any dependent member of the family concerned who is an infant (within the meaning of that Act) as if an application had been made to it in that behalf under that section.<\/p>\n<p>C16<br \/>\nPower to make an orders under section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33\/1996), s. 11(b), commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<h4>Preliminary orders in proceedings for divorce.<\/h4>\n<p>11.\u2014Where an application is made to the court for the grant of a decree of divorce, the court, before deciding whether to grant or refuse to grant the decree, may, in the same proceedings and without the institution of proceedings under the Act concerned, if it appears to the court to be proper to do so, make one or more of the following orders\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(b) an order under section 11 of the Act of 1964,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Miscellaneous ancillary orders.<\/p>\n<p>15.\u2014(1) On granting a decree of divorce or at any time thereafter, the court, on application to it in that behalf by either of the spouses concerned or by a person on behalf of a dependent member of the family, may, during the lifetime of the other spouse or, as the case may be, the spouse concerned, make one or more of the following orders: &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(f) an order under section 11 of the Act of 1964,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C17<br \/>\nProvision for certain orders made under subs. (2)(b) not to be stayed made (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33\/1996), s. 25(a), commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Stay on certain orders the subject of appeal.<\/p>\n<p>25.\u2014Where an appeal is brought from an order under\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 11 (2) (b) of the Act of 1964,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>the operation of the order shall not be stayed unless the court that made the order or to which the appeal is brought directs otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>C18<br \/>\nPower to make orders under Act provided (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26\/1995), ss. 6(b) and 10(1)(f), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.<\/p>\n<p>Preliminary orders in proceedings for judicial separation.<\/p>\n<p>6.\u2014 Where an application is made to the court for the grant of a decree of judicial separation, the court, before deciding whether to grant or refuse to grant the decree, may, in the same proceedings and without the institution of proceedings under the Act concerned, if it appears to the court to be proper to do so, make one or more of the following orders\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(b) an order under section 11 of the Act of 1964,<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Miscellaneous ancillary orders.<\/p>\n<p>10.\u2014 (1) On granting a decree of judicial separation, the court, on application to it in that behalf by either of the spouses concerned or by a person on behalf of a dependent member of the family, may, during the lifetime of the other spouse or, as the case may be, the spouse concerned, make one or more of the following orders: &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(f) an order under section 11 of the Act of 1964.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C19<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C20<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C21<br \/>\nPower to make give directions under Act provided (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 3(3), commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>Grant of decree of judicial separation, custody, etc of children.<\/p>\n<p>3.\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(3) Upon the granting of a decree of judicial separation by the court, the court may, where appropriate, by order give such directions under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as it thinks proper regarding the welfare or custody of, or right of access to, an infant (being an infant within the meaning of that Act) as if an application had been made under that section.<\/p>\n<p>C22<br \/>\nPower to make an order under Act provided (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 11(b) and 16(g), commenced as per s. 46(2).<\/p>\n<p>Preliminary orders in judicial separation proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>11.\u2014After an application for a decree of judicial separation has been issued, the court, before deciding whether to grant or refuse to grant such decree, may if it appears to the court proper to do so make any one or more of the following orders\u2014 &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(b) a custody or access order or other order on any question affecting the welfare of an infant pursuant to section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964 ;<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Miscellaneous ancillary orders.<\/p>\n<p>16.\u2014On granting a decree of judicial separation or at any time thereafter, the court may, on application to it by either spouse, make any one or more of the following orders: &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>(g) an order under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964 concerning any dependent child of the family.<\/p>\n<p>C23<br \/>\nEnforcement of orders under section provided (12.07.1986) by Courts (No. 2) Act 1986 (26\/1986), s. 5, commenced on enactment; as amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 14(a) and (b), commenced as per s. 1(2). A fine of \u00a31,500 converted (1.01.1999) to \u20ac1,904.61. This translates into a class C fine, not greater than \u20ac2,500, as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8\/2010), ss. 3, 6(3) and table ref. no. 1, S.I. No. 662 of 2010.<\/p>\n<p>Enforcement of certain orders under Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.<\/p>\n<p>5.\u2014(1) In this section \u201cthe Act of 1964\u201d means the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by the Courts Act, 1981, [the Age of Majority Act, 1985, the Status of Children Act, 1987, and the Children Act, 1997].<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court, where the District Court has made an order under [section 7, 11 or 11B] of the Act of 1964 containing a direction regarding\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the custody of an infant, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) the right of access to an infant,<\/p>\n<p>any person having the actual custody of the infant who, having been given or shown a copy of the order and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) having been required, by or on behalf of a person to whom the custody of the infant is committed by the direction, to give up the infant to that person, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) having been required, by or on behalf of a person entitled to access to the infant in accordance with the direction, to allow that person to have such access,<\/p>\n<p>fails or refuses to comply with the requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [\u00a31,500] or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [twelve months] or to both such fine and such imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E33<br \/>\nPower to make order under section in proceedings under Domestic Violence Act 2018 prescribed (1.01.2019) by Domestic Violence Act 2018 (6\/2018), s. 15(1), (2)(a), S.I. No. 532 of 2018.<\/p>\n<p>E34<br \/>\nThe duplicate numbering of subss. (5) and (6) appears in the original amendments. The Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 40, which inserted subss. (5) to (9) above, was repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26\/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996. The 1995 Act, s. 47 made alternative provision for social reports in proceedings, which would indicate that it was intended to repeal the versions of subss. (5) and (6) above which provide for welfare reports, and subss. (7) to (9) also dealing with welfare reports.<\/p>\n<p>E35<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subss. (2) and (4) amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E36<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (14.06.1988) by Status of Children Act 1987 (26\/1987), s. 13, commenced as per s. 1(2)(b); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>E37<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: subs. (5) inserted (1.03.1985) by Age of Majority Act 1985 (2\/1985), s. 6(b), commenced as per s. 9(2); substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>F46[<\/p>\n<h4>Custody may be granted to father and mother jointly.<\/h4>\n<p>11A.\u2014For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the court, in making an order under section 11, may, if it thinks it appropriate, grant custody of a child to the child\u2019s F47[parents] jointly.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F46<br \/>\nInserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F47<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 54, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F48[<\/p>\n<h4>Relatives may apply for access to child.<\/h4>\n<p>11B.\u2014(1) Any person who\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) is a relative of a child, or,<\/p>\n<p>F49[(b) is a person with whom the child resides or has formerly resided,]<\/p>\n<p>and to whom section 11 does not apply may F50[\u2026] apply to the court for an order giving that person access to the child on such terms and conditions as the court may order.<\/p>\n<p>(2) F51[\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>(3) In deciding whether to F52[make an order under subsection (1)], the court shall have regard to all the circumstances, including in particular\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the applicant\u2019s connection with the child,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the risk, if any, of F52[the order] disrupting the child&#8217;s life to the extent that the child would be harmed by it,<\/p>\n<p>(c) the wishes of the child\u2019s F53[guardians,]<\/p>\n<p>F54[(d) the views of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(e) whether it is necessary to make F52[the order] to facilitate the access of the person to the child.]<\/p>\n<p>(4) In this section, a relative of a child who is the subject of an adoption order includes\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a relative of the child\u2019s adoptive parents,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the adoptive parents of the child\u2019s parents, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) a relative of the adoptive parents of the child\u2019s parents.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F48<br \/>\nInserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F49<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 55(a), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F50<br \/>\nDeleted (31.07.2023) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 s. 120(a), S.I. No. 389 of 2023, art. 3(q).<\/p>\n<p>F51<br \/>\nDeleted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 55(b), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F52<br \/>\nSubstituted (31.07.2023) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (18\/2023), s. 120(b)(i)-(iii), S.I. No. 389 of 2023, art. 3(q).<\/p>\n<p>F53<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 55(c)(i), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F54<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 55(c)(ii), S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C24<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>C25<br \/>\nEnforcement of orders under section provided (12.07.1986) by Courts (No. 2) Act 1986 (26\/1986), s. 5, commenced on enactment; as amended (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 14(a) and (b), commenced as per s. 1(2). A fine of \u00a31,500 converted (1.01.1999) to \u20ac1,904.61. This translates into a class C fine, not exceeding \u20ac2,500, as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8\/2010), ss. 3, 6(3) and table ref. no. 1, S.I. No. 662 of 2010.<\/p>\n<p>Enforcement of certain orders under Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.<\/p>\n<p>5.\u2014(1) In this section \u201cthe Act of 1964\u201d means the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by the Courts Act, 1981, [the Age of Majority Act, 1985, the Status of Children Act, 1987, and the Children Act, 1997].<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court, where the District Court has made an order under [section 7, 11 or 11B] of the Act of 1964 containing a direction regarding\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the custody of an infant, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) the right of access to an infant,<\/p>\n<p>any person having the actual custody of the infant who, having been given or shown a copy of the order and\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) having been required, by or on behalf of a person to whom the custody of the infant is committed by the direction, to give up the infant to that person, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) having been required, by or on behalf of a person entitled to access to the infant in accordance with the direction, to allow that person to have such access,<\/p>\n<p>fails or refuses to comply with the requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [\u00a31,500] or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [twelve months] or to both such fine and such imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>F55[Operation of order not to be stayed pending appeal unless so ordered.<\/p>\n<p>11C.\u2014The operation of an order under this Act shall not be stayed pending the outcome of an appeal against the order unless the court that made the order or the court to which the appeal is brought directs otherwise.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F55<br \/>\nInserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F56[<\/p>\n<h4>Provision relating to orders under sections 6A, 11, 14 and 16.<\/h4>\n<p>11D.\u2014In considering whether to make an order under section 6A, 11, 14 or 16 the court shall have regard to whether the child\u2019s best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with F57[each of his or her parents] on a regular basis.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F56<br \/>\nInserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F57<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 56, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F58[<\/p>\n<h4>Relatives and certain persons may apply for custody of child<\/h4>\n<p>11E.\u2014(1) The court may, on application by\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a person who is a relative of a child, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) a person to whom subsection (2) applies,<\/p>\n<p>make an order giving that person custody of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) This subsection applies to a person with whom the child concerned resides where the person\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) (i) is or was married to or in a civil partnership with, or has been, for a period of over 3 years, the cohabitant of the parent of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) has, for a period of more than 2 years, shared with that parent responsibility for the child\u2019s day-to-day care,<\/p>\n<p>or<\/p>\n<p>(b) (i) is an adult who has, for a continuous period of more than 12 months, provided for the child\u2019s day-to-day care, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) the child has no parent or guardian who is willing or able to exercise the rights and responsibilities of guardianship in respect of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(3) Subject to subsection (4), the court shall not make an order under subsection (1) without the consent of each guardian of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(4) The court may make an order dispensing with the consent of a guardian if satisfied it is in the best interests of the child to do so.<\/p>\n<p>(5) The court, in making an order in respect of a person to whom subsection (2) applies, may grant custody of a child to the child\u2019s parent and such person jointly and, in doing so, shall\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) where these are not agreed as between the person and the parent of the child, specify the residential arrangements that are to apply in respect of the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) where the residential arrangements that are to apply in respect of the child provide that, for any period, the child will not reside with one of his or her parents, specify the contact (if any) that is to take place between the child and that parent during that period.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F58<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 58, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<h4>Variation and discharge of court orders.<\/h4>\n<p>12.\u2014The court may vary or discharge any order previously made by the court under this Part.<\/p>\n<p>F59[<\/p>\n<h4>Additional powers of court in relation to applications under this Act<\/h4>\n<p>12A.\u2014(1) In making any order under this Act, the court may impose such conditions as it considers to be necessary in the best interests of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The court may, where it considers it necessary and appropriate in order to protect the best interests of the child, including his or her right to the care and custody of both of his or her parents, impose conditions in relation to the holding of the passport of a child.<\/p>\n<p>(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (2) include that a passport may be retained by the court or held by a specified person and may be released subject to such further conditions as may be determined by the court.<\/p>\n<p>(4) Where, in any proceedings pursuant to this Part, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to a child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion, or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and make such directions under section 20 of the Child Care Act 1991 as the court may deem appropriate.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F59<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 58, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>PART III<\/p>\n<p>Enforcement of Right of Custody<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C26<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<h4>Definitions for Part III.<\/h4>\n<p>13.\u2014In this Part\u2014<\/p>\n<p>F60[&#8220;the court&#8221; means the Circuit Court or the District Court;];<\/p>\n<p>\u201chealth authority\u201d has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (1) of section 2 of the Health Act, 1947, as amended by section 9 of the Health Authorities Act, 1960;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cparent\u201d includes a guardian of the person and any person at law liable to maintain a F61[child] or entitled to his custody;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cperson\u201d includes any school or institution.<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F60<br \/>\nSubstituted (12.05.1982) by Courts Act 1981 (11\/1981), s. 15(1)(b), commenced as per s. 33(3).<\/p>\n<p>F61<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E38<br \/>\nThe Health Authorities Act 1960 (9\/1960), s. 9 mentioned in subs. (2) was repealed (1.04.1971) by Health Act 1970 (1\/1970), s. 3 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 90 of 1971.<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court as to production of\u00a0 child<\/h4>\n<p>14.\u2014Where a parent of a F62[child] applies to the court for an order for the production of the F62[child] and the court is of opinion that that parent has abandoned or deserted the F62[child] or that he has otherwise so conducted himself that the court should refuse to enforce his right to the custody of the F62[child], the court may in its discretion decline to make the order.<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F62<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F63[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of Court to order repayment of costs of bringing up child.<\/h4>\n<p>15.\u2014(1) Where, upon application by a parent for the production of a child, the court finds that the child is being brought up at the expense of another person, the court may, in its discretion, if it orders that the child be given up to the parent, further order that the parent shall pay to that person the whole of the costs properly incurred by the person in bringing up the child or such portion of those costs as the court considers reasonable.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Where, upon application by a parent for the production of a child, the court finds that\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) assistance has been provided for the child at any time by a health authority under section 55 of the Health Act 1953,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the child has been maintained in the care of a health board under section 4 of the Child Care Act 1991 at any time before the amendment of that provision by the Health Act 2004, or<\/p>\n<p>F64[(c) the child has been maintained in the care of the Health Service Executive under section 4 (as amended by section 4 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011) of the Child Care Act 1991 or the Child and Family Agency.]<\/p>\n<p>the court may, in its discretion, if it orders that the child be given up to the parent, further order that the parent shall pay to the Health Service Executive F65[or the Child and Family Agency] the whole of the costs properly incurred by the health authority in providing such assistance F64[, or by the Executive or the Agency] in maintaining the child in care or such portion of those costs as the court considers reasonable.<\/p>\n<p>(3) In determining the amount to be repaid under this section, the court shall have regard to the circumstances of the case including, in particular, the means of the parent.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F63<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 2, S.I. No. 887 of 2004, art. 2(j).<\/p>\n<p>F64<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40\/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2 part 1 item 1, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.<\/p>\n<p>F65<br \/>\nInserted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40\/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2 part 1 item 1, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E39<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: para. (b) amended (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 76, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; superseded as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<h4>Court in making order to have regard to conduct of parent.<\/h4>\n<p>16.\u2014Where a parent has\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) abandoned or deserted a F66[child], or<\/p>\n<p>(b) allowed a F66[child] to be brought up by another person at that person\u2019s expense, or to be provided with assistance by a health authority under section 55 of the Health Act, 1953 or F67[to be maintained as described in section 15(2)(b) or (c) in the care of a health board F68[, the Health Service Executive or the Child and Family Agency]], for such a length of time and under such circumstances as to satisfy the court that the parent was unmindful of his parental duties,<\/p>\n<p>the court shall not make an order for the delivery of the F66[child] to the parent unless the parent has satisfied the court that he is a fit person to have the custody of the F66[child].<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F66<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F67<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 2, S.I. No. 887 of 2004, art. 2(j).<\/p>\n<p>F68<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40\/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2 part 1 item 2, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E40<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: para. (b) amended (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 77, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; substituted as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court as to child\u2019s religious education.<\/h4>\n<p>17.\u2014(1) Upon any application by a parent for the production or custody of a F69[child], if the court is of opinion that that parent ought not to have the custody of the F69[child], the court shall have power to make such order as it thinks fit to secure that the F69[child] be brought up in the religion in which the parents, or a parent, have or has a legal right to require that the F69[child] should be brought up.<\/p>\n<p>(2) F70[\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F69<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F70<br \/>\nDeleted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 10, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<h4>Custody where parents are separated.<\/h4>\n<p>18.\u2014F71[\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>(2) A provision contained in any separation agreement made between the F72[parents] of a F73[child] shall not be invalid by reason only of its providing that one of them shall give up the custody or control of the F73[child] to the other.<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F71<br \/>\nRepealed (19.10.1989) by Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (6\/1989), s. 41(3), commenced as per s. 46(2), subject to transitional provision in same subsection.<\/p>\n<p>F72<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 59, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F73<br \/>\nSubstituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 12, commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C27<br \/>\nPower to make care order provided (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17\/1991), s. 20, S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 9(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (2\/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6 item 19, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[20. \u2014(1) Where in any proceedings under section 7, 8, 11, 11B or Part III of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, or in any case to which\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) section 3 (3) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989,<\/p>\n<p>(b) section 6(b) or 10(f) of the Family Law Act, 1995, or<\/p>\n<p>(c) section 5(2), 11(b) or 41 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996,<\/p>\n<p>relates, or in any other proceedings for the delivery or return of a child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made with respect to the child concerned in the proceedings, the court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, adjourn the proceedings and direct [the Health Service Executive] to undertake an investigation of the child\u2019s circumstances.]<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E41<br \/>\nPrevious affecting provision: words in subs. (1) substituted (12.05.1982) by Courts Act 1981 (11\/1981), s. 15(1)(c), commenced as per s. 33(3); superseded as per F-note above.<\/p>\n<p>F74[<\/p>\n<h4>Enforcement orders<\/h4>\n<p>18A.\u2014 (1) A guardian or parent of a child who has been\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) granted, by order of the court made under this Act, custody of, or access to, that child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) unreasonably denied such custody or access by another guardian or parent of that child,<\/p>\n<p>may apply to the court for an order (\u201cenforcement order\u201d) under this section.<\/p>\n<p>(2) An application under subsection (1) shall be on notice to each guardian and parent of the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(3) Subject to subsection (4), the court, on an application under subsection (1), shall make an enforcement order only where it is satisfied that\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the applicant was unreasonably denied custody or access, as the case may be, by the other parent or guardian,<\/p>\n<p>(b) it is in the best interests of the child to do so, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) it is otherwise appropriate in the circumstances of the case to do so.<\/p>\n<p>(4) An enforcement order may provide for one or more than one of the following:<\/p>\n<p>(a) that the applicant be granted access to the child for such periods of time (being periods of time in addition to the periods of time during which the applicant has access to the child under the order referred to in subsection (1)(a)) that the court may consider necessary in order to allow any adverse effects on the relationship between the applicant and child caused by the denial referred to in subsection (1) to be addressed;<\/p>\n<p>(b) that the respondent reimburse the applicant for any necessary expenses actually incurred by the applicant in attempting to exercise his or her right under the order referred to in subsection (1)(a) to custody of, or access to, the child;<\/p>\n<p>(c) that the respondent or the applicant, or both, in order to ensure future compliance by them with the order referred to in subsection (1)(a) do one or more than one of the following:<\/p>\n<p>(i) attend, either individually or together, a parenting programme;<\/p>\n<p>(ii) avail, either individually or together, of family counselling;<\/p>\n<p>(iii) receive information, in such manner and in such form as the court may determine on the possibility of their availing of mediation as a means of resolving disputes between them, that adversely affect their parenting capacities, between the applicant and respondent.<\/p>\n<p>(5) An enforcement order shall not contain a provision referred to in subsection (4)(a) unless\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the child, to the extent possible given his or her age and understanding, has had the opportunity to make his or her views on the matter known to the court, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) the court has taken the views (if any) of the child referred to in paragraph (a) into account in making the order.<\/p>\n<p>(6) Where the court, on an application under subsection (1), is of the opinion that the denial of custody or access was reasonable in the particular circumstances, it may\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) refuse to make an enforcement order, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) make such enforcement order that it considers appropriate in the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>(7) This section is without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court.<\/p>\n<p>(8) In this section\u2014<\/p>\n<p>\u201cfamily counselling\u201d means a service provided by a family counsellor in which he or she assists a person or persons\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) to resolve or better cope with personal and interpersonal problems or difficulties relating to, as the case may be, his, her or their marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation or parenting of a child, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) to resolve or better cope with personal and interpersonal problems or difficulties, or issues relating to the care of children, where the person or persons is or are affected, or likely to be affected, by separation, divorce, the dissolution of a civil partnership or the ending of a relationship of cohabitation;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cfamily counsellor\u201d means a person who has the requisite skill and judgment to provide family counselling;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cparenting programme\u201d means a programme that is designed to assist (including by the provision of counselling services or the teaching of techniques to resolve disputes) a person in resolving problems that adversely affect the carrying out of his or her parenting responsibilities.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F74<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 60, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F75[<\/p>\n<h4>Person presumed to have seen order of court<\/h4>\n<p>18B.\u2014A person shall be deemed to have been given or shown a copy of an order made under this Act if that person was present at the sitting of the court at which such order was made.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F75<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 60, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F76[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court to vary or terminate custody or access enforcement order<\/h4>\n<p>18C.\u2014(1) The court may, on application by a person granted by order of the court made under this Act, custody of, or access to a child, make an order varying or terminating an enforcement order or any part of that order.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The court may, in proceedings to vary or terminate a custody or access order, in those proceedings vary or terminate an enforcement order that relates to that custody or access order.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F76<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 60, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F77[<\/p>\n<h4>Enforcement of custody or access order<\/h4>\n<p>18D.\u2014(1) Where a guardian or parent of a child\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) has been granted, by order of the court made under this Act, custody of, or access to that child, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) fails, without reasonable notice to another guardian or parent of the child, to exercise the right concerned,<\/p>\n<p>the other parent or guardian of the child may apply to the court for an order requiring the first-mentioned guardian or parent to reimburse to the second-mentioned guardian or parent any necessary expenses actually incurred by that guardian or parent as a result of the failure of the first-mentioned guardian or parent to exercise that right.<\/p>\n<p>(2) In this section, and section 18A, &#8220;necessary expenses&#8221; include the following:<\/p>\n<p>(a) travel expenses;<\/p>\n<p>(b) lost remuneration;<\/p>\n<p>(c) any other expenses the court may allow.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F77<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 60, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>PART IV<\/p>\n<p>SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF CHILDREN]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F78<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F78[<\/p>\n<h4>Definitions.<\/h4>\n<p>19.\u2014In this Part\u2014<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;the Act of 1976&#8221; means the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;the Act of 1989&#8221; means the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;the Act of 1995&#8221; means the Family Law Act, 1995;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;the Act of 1996&#8221; means the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F79<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F80[<\/p>\n<h4>Safeguards to ensure applicant\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.<\/h4>\n<p>20.\u2014(1) In this section &#8220;the applicant&#8221; means a person who has applied, is applying or proposes to apply to the court for directions under section 6A, 11 or 11B.<\/p>\n<p>(2) If a solicitor is acting for the applicant, the solicitor shall, before the institution of proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B, discuss with the applicant the possibility of the applicant\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) engaging in counselling to assist in reaching an agreement with the respondent about the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any other question affecting the welfare of the child and give to the applicant the name and address of persons qualified to give counselling on the matter,<\/p>\n<p>(b) engaging in mediation to help to effect an agreement between the applicant and the respondent about the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any question affecting the welfare of the child, F81[give to the applicant the names and addresses of persons who provide a mediation service and inform the applicant of the matters referred to in sections 10 and 11 of the Mediation Act 2017], and<\/p>\n<p>(c) where appropriate, effecting a deed or agreement in writing executed or made by the applicant and the respondent and providing for the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any question affecting the welfare of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(3) If a solicitor is acting for the applicant\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the original documents by which the proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B are instituted shall be accompanied by a F82[statutory declaration made by the solicitor] indicating, if it be the case, that the solicitor has complied with subsection (2) in relation to the matter and, if the document is not so accompanied, the court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it considers reasonable to enable the solicitor to engage in the discussions referred to in subsection (2),<\/p>\n<p>(b) if the solicitor has complied with paragraph (a), any copy of the original document served on any person or left in an office of the court shall be accompanied by a copy of that F83[statutory declaration].<\/p>\n<p>(4) The solicitor shall be deemed to have complied with subsection (3) in relation to the requirement of a F83[statutory declaration] where the application under section 6A, 11 or 11B is made in proceedings for the grant of\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a decree of judicial separation under the Act of 1989 and section 5(2) of that Act has been complied with by the solicitor, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) a decree of divorce under the Act of 1996 and section 6(4) of that Act has been complied with by the solicitor.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F80<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (1.01.1999) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced by S.I. No. 433 of 1998.<\/p>\n<p>F81<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(a)(i), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F82<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(a)(ii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F83<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(a)(iii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F84[<\/p>\n<h4>Safeguards to ensure respondent\u2019s awareness of alternatives to custody, access and guardianship proceedings and to assist attempts at agreement.<\/h4>\n<p>21.\u2014(1) In this section &#8220;the respondent&#8221; means a respondent in proceedings in the court under section 6A, 11 or 11B.<\/p>\n<p>(2) If a solicitor is acting for the respondent, the solicitor shall, as soon as practicable after receiving instructions from the respondent in relation to proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B discuss with the respondent the possibility of the respondent\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) engaging in counselling to assist in reaching an agreement with the applicant about the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any other question affecting the welfare of the child and give to the respondent the name and addresses of persons qualified to give counselling on the matter,<\/p>\n<p>(b) engaging in mediation to help to effect an agreement between the respondent and the applicant about the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any question affecting the welfare of the child and F85[, give to the respondent the names and addresses of persons who provide a mediation service and inform the respondent of the matters referred to in sections 10 and 11 of the Mediation Act 2017], and<\/p>\n<p>(c) where appropriate, effecting a deed or agreement in writing executed or made by the respondent and the applicant and providing for the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any question affecting the welfare of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(3) If a solicitor is acting for the respondent\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the memorandum or other documents delivered to the appropriate officer of the court for the purpose of the entry of an appearance by the respondent in proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B shall be accompanied by a F86[statutory declaration made by the solicitor] indicating, if it be the case, that the solicitor has complied with subsection (2) in relation to the matter and, if the document is not so accompanied, the court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it considers reasonable to enable the solicitor to engage in the discussions referred to in subsection (2),<\/p>\n<p>(b) if the solicitor has complied with paragraph (a), any copy of the original document given or sent to the applicant or his solicitor shall be accompanied by a copy of that F87[statutory declaration].<\/p>\n<p>(4) The solicitor shall be deemed to have complied with subsection (3) in relation to the requirement of a F87[statutory declaration] where the application under section 6A, 11 or 11B is made in proceedings for the grant of\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) a decree of judicial separation under the Act of 1989 and section 6(2) of that Act has been complied with by the solicitor, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) a decree of divorce under the Act of 1996 and section 7(4) of that Act has been complied with by the solicitor.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F84<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (1.01.1999) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced by S.I. No. 433 of 1998.<\/p>\n<p>F85<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(b)(i), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F86<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017, s. 24(b)(ii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F87<br \/>\nSubstituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(b)(iii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F88[<\/p>\n<h4>Adjournment of proceedings to assist agreement on custody or guardianship of or access to child.<\/h4>\n<p>22.\u2014(1) Where, in proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B it appears to the court that agreement between the parties on the subject matter of the proceedings may be effected, it may adjourn or further adjourn the proceedings for the purpose of enabling attempts to be made by the parties, if they wish, to reach agreement, with or without the assistance of a third party, on some or all of the issues which are in dispute.<\/p>\n<p>(2) If proceedings are adjourned pursuant to subsection (1), any party may at any time request that the hearing of the proceedings be resumed as soon as practicable and, if such a request is made, the court shall, subject to any other power of the court to adjourn proceedings, resume the hearing.<\/p>\n<p>(3) The powers conferred by this section are additional to any other power of the court to adjourn proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>(4) Where the court adjourns proceedings under this section, it may, at its discretion, advise the parties concerned to seek the assistance of a third party in relation to the effecting of an agreement between them on all or any of its terms.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F88<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (1.01.1999) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced by S.I. No. 433 of 1998.<\/p>\n<p>F89[<\/p>\n<h4>Non-admissibility as evidence of certain communications relating to agreement.<\/h4>\n<p>23.\u2014F90[(1)] An oral or written communication between any of the parties concerned and a third party for the purpose of seeking assistance to reach agreement between them regarding the custody of the child, the right of access to the child or any question affecting the welfare of the child (whether or not made in the presence or with the knowledge of the other party) and any record of such communication, made or caused to be made by any of the parties concerned or such a third party, shall not be admissible as evidence in any court.]<\/p>\n<p>F90[(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) an admission by a party that indicates a child has been abused or is at risk of abuse, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) a disclosure by a child that indicates the child has been abused or is at risk of abuse.<\/p>\n<p>(3) In this section, &#8220;abuse&#8221; means physical, sexual or emotional abuse.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F89<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F90<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 61, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F91[<\/p>\n<h4>Orders in respect of custody or access agreements.<\/h4>\n<p>24.\u2014Where\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the parties to a dispute relating to the welfare of a child enter into an agreement in writing that includes\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) a provision whereby one party undertakes, or both parties undertake, to take custody of the child, or<\/p>\n<p>(ii) a provision governing the rights of access of parties,<\/p>\n<p>and<\/p>\n<p>(b) an application is made by any party to the court for an order making the agreement a rule of court,<\/p>\n<p>the court may make such an order if it is satisfied that the agreement is a fair and reasonable one which in all the circumstances adequately protects the interests of the parties and the child, and such order shall, insofar as it relates to a provision specified in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a), be deemed to be an order under section 11(2)(a) or 11B as appropriate.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F91<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F92[<\/p>\n<h4>Wishes of child.<\/h4>\n<p>25.\u2014In any proceedings to which section 3 applies, the court shall, as it thinks appropriate and practicable having regard to the age and understanding of the child, take into account the child\u2019s wishes in the matter.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F92<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997(40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F93[Social reports.<\/p>\n<p>26.\u2014 &#8230;]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F93<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section not commenced as of date of revision.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C28<br \/>\nProspective affecting provision: section inserted by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, not commenced as of date of revision.<\/p>\n<p>F93[26.\u2014For the purposes of the application of section 47 of the Act of 1995 to proceedings under this Act, &#8220;court&#8221; includes the District Court.]<\/p>\n<p>F94[<\/p>\n<h4>Power to proceed in absence of child.<\/h4>\n<p>27.\u2014(1) It shall not be necessary in proceedings under section F95[section 6A, 6C, 6E, 11, 11B or 11E] for the child to whom the proceedings relate to be brought before the court or to be present for all or any part of the hearing unless the court, either of its own motion or at the request of any of the parties to the proceedings, is satisfied that it is necessary for the proper disposal of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Where the child requests to be present during the hearing or a particular part of the hearing of the proceedings, the court shall grant the request unless it appears to it that, having regard to the age of the child or the nature of the proceedings, it would not be in the child\u2019s best interests to accede to the request.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F94<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>F95<br \/>\nSubstituted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 62, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F96[Appointment of guardian ad litem for a child and provision for separate representation.<\/p>\n<p>28.\u2014 &#8230;]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F96<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section not commenced as of date of revision.<\/p>\n<p>Modifications (not altering text):<\/p>\n<p>C29<br \/>\nProspective amending provision: section inserted by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, not commenced as of date of revision.<\/p>\n<p>F96[28.\u2014(1) If in proceedings under section 6A, 11 or 11B the child to whom the proceedings relate is not a party, the court may, if satisfied that having regard to the special circumstances of the case it is necessary in the best interests of the child to do so, appoint a guardian ad litem for the child.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), in deciding whether to appoint a guardian ad litem, the court shall, in particular, have regard to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the age and understanding of the child,<\/p>\n<p>(b) any report on any question affecting the welfare of the child that is furnished to the court under section 47 of the Act of 1995,<\/p>\n<p>(c) the welfare of the child,<\/p>\n<p>(d) whether and to what extent the child should be given the opportunity to express the child&#8217;s wishes in the proceedings, taking into account any statement in relation to those matters in any report under section 47 of the Act of 1995, and<\/p>\n<p>(e) any submission made in relation to the matter of the appointment as a guardian ad litem that is made to the court by or on behalf of a party to the proceedings or any other person to whom they relate.<\/p>\n<p>(3) For the purposes of this section, the court may appoint as a guardian ad litem the person from whom, under section 47(1) of the Act of 1995, a report on any question affecting the welfare of the child was procured, or such other person as it thinks fit.<\/p>\n<p>(4) If having regard to the gravity of the matters that may be in issue or any other special circumstances relating to the particular case, it appears to the court that it is necessary in the best interests of the child that the guardian ad litem ought to be legally represented, the court may order that the guardian ad litem be so represented in the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>(5) The fees and expenses of a guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to subsection (1) and the costs of obtaining legal representation pursuant to an order under subsection (4) shall be paid by such parties to the proceedings concerned, and in such proportions, or by such party to the proceedings, as the court may determine.]<\/p>\n<p>F97[<\/p>\n<h4>Cost of mediation and counselling services.<\/h4>\n<p>29.\u2014The cost of any F98[\u2026] counselling services provided for an applicant or respondent who is or becomes a party to proceedings under this Act, or for the child to whom the proceedings relate, shall be in the discretion of the court concerned.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F97<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (1.01.1999) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced by S.I. No. 433 of 1998.<\/p>\n<p>F98<br \/>\nDeleted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27\/2017), s. 24(c), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.<\/p>\n<p>F99[<\/p>\n<h4>Jurisdiction.<\/h4>\n<p>30.\u2014(1) Subject to subsection (2), the jurisdiction conferred on a court by this Part may be exercised by the Circuit Court or the District Court.<\/p>\n<p>(2) Where the agreement referred to in section 24 is a separation agreement, the application for an order in respect of that agreement shall be made to the Circuit Court.<\/p>\n<p>(3) Where an application is made to the court for an order under section 24, the court may, in the same proceedings, if it appears to it to be proper to do so, make an order under section 8 or 8A of the Act of 1976 without the institution of proceedings under that Act.<\/p>\n<p>(4) Where an application is made to the court for an order under section 8 or 8A of the Act of 1976, the court may, in the same proceedings, if it appears to it to be proper to do so, make an order under section 24 without the institution of proceedings under this Act.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F99<br \/>\nPart IV (ss. 19-30) inserted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40\/1997), s. 11, this section commenced as per s. 1(2).<\/p>\n<p>Part V<\/p>\n<p>Best interests of the Child]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F100<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 63, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F101[<\/p>\n<h4>Determination by court of best interests of child<\/h4>\n<p>31. (1) In determining for the purposes of this Act what is in the best interests of a child, the court shall have regard to all of the factors or circumstances that it regards as relevant to the child concerned and his or her family.<\/p>\n<p>(2) The factors and circumstances referred to in subsection (1) include:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the benefit to the child of having a meaningful relationship with each of his or her parents and with the other relatives and persons who are involved in the child\u2019s upbringing and, except where such contact is not in the child\u2019s best interests, of having sufficient contact with them to maintain such relationships;<\/p>\n<p>(b) the views of the child concerned that are ascertainable (whether in accordance with section 32 or otherwise);<\/p>\n<p>(c) the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the child concerned, taking into consideration the child\u2019s age and stage of development and the likely effect on him or her of any change of circumstances;<\/p>\n<p>(d) the history of the child\u2019s upbringing and care, including the nature of the relationship between the child and each of his or her parents and the other relatives and persons referred to in paragraph (a), and the desirability of preserving and strengthening such relationships;<\/p>\n<p>(e) the child\u2019s religious, spiritual, cultural and linguistic upbringing and needs;<\/p>\n<p>(f) the child\u2019s social, intellectual and educational upbringing and needs;<\/p>\n<p>(g) the child\u2019s age and any special characteristics;<\/p>\n<p>(h) any harm which the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering, including harm as a result of household violence, and the protection of the child\u2019s safety and psychological well-being;<\/p>\n<p>(i) where applicable, proposals made for the child\u2019s custody, care, development and upbringing and for access to and contact with the child, having regard to the desirability of the parents or guardians of the child agreeing to such proposals and co-operating with each other in relation to them;<\/p>\n<p>(j) the willingness and ability of each of the child\u2019s parents to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent, and to maintain and foster relationships between the child and his or her relatives;<\/p>\n<p>(k) the capacity of each person in respect of whom an application is made under this Act\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) to care for and meet the needs of the child,<\/p>\n<p>(ii) to communicate and co-operate on issues relating to the child, and<\/p>\n<p>(iii) to exercise the relevant powers, responsibilities and entitlements to which the application relates.<\/p>\n<p>(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(h), the court shall have regard to household violence that has occurred or is likely to occur in the household of the child, or a household in which the child has been or is likely to be present, including the impact or likely impact of such violence on:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the safety of the child and other members of the household concerned;<\/p>\n<p>(b) the child\u2019s personal well-being, including the child\u2019s psychological and emotional well-being;<\/p>\n<p>(c) the victim of such violence;<\/p>\n<p>(d) the capacity of the perpetrator of the violence to properly care for the child and the risk, or likely risk, that the perpetrator poses to the child.<\/p>\n<p>(4) For the purposes of this section, a parent\u2019s conduct may be considered to the extent that it is relevant to the child\u2019s welfare and best interests only.<\/p>\n<p>(5) In any proceedings to which section 3(1)(a) applies, the court shall have regard to the general principle that unreasonable delay in determining the proceedings may be contrary to the best interests of the child.<\/p>\n<p>(6) In obtaining the ascertainable views of a child for the purposes of subsection (2)(b), the court\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) shall facilitate the free expression by the child of those views and, in particular, shall endeavour to ensure that any views so expressed by the child are not expressed as a result of undue influence, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) may make an order under section 32.<\/p>\n<p>(7) In this section &#8220;household violence&#8221; includes behaviour by a parent or guardian or a household member causing or attempting to cause physical harm to the child or another child, parent or household member, and includes sexual abuse or causing a child or a parent or other household member to fear for his or her safety or that of another household member.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F101<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 63, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>F102[<\/p>\n<h4>Power of court to make certain orders<\/h4>\n<p>32. (1) In proceedings to which section 3(1)(a) applies, the court may, by order, do either or both of the following:<\/p>\n<p>(a) give such directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of procuring from an expert a report in writing on any question affecting the welfare of the child; or<\/p>\n<p>(b) appoint an expert to determine and convey the child\u2019s views.<\/p>\n<p>(2) An order under subsection (1) may be made by the court of its own motion or on application to it in that behalf by a party to the proceedings and, in deciding whether to make an order, the court shall have regard to any views expressed to it in relation to the matter by or on behalf of a party to the proceedings concerned or any other person to whom they relate.<\/p>\n<p>(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the court, in deciding whether to make an order under that subsection, shall, in particular, have regard to the following:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the age and maturity of the child;<\/p>\n<p>(b) the nature of the issues in dispute in the proceedings;<\/p>\n<p>(c) any previous report under subsection (1)(a) on a question affecting the welfare of the child;<\/p>\n<p>(d) the best interests of the child;<\/p>\n<p>(e) whether the making of the order will assist the expression by the child of his or her views in the proceedings;<\/p>\n<p>(f) the views expressed by a person referred to in subsection (2).<\/p>\n<p>(4) A copy of a report under subsection (1)(a) may be provided in evidence in the proceedings and shall be given to\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the parties to the proceedings concerned, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) subject to subsection (5), if he or she is not a party to the proceedings, to the child concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(5) In determining whether a report obtained under subsection (1)(a) should be furnished to the child to whom it relates, the court shall have regard to the following:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the age and maturity of the child and the capacity of the child to understand the report;<\/p>\n<p>(b) the impact on the child of reading the report and the effect it may have on his or her relationship with his or her parents or guardians;<\/p>\n<p>(c) the best interests of the child;<\/p>\n<p>(d) whether the best interests of the child would be better served by the furnishing of the report to the parent, guardian, next friend of the child or an expert appointed under subsection (1)(b), rather than to the child himself or herself.<\/p>\n<p>(6) An expert appointed under subsection (1)(b) shall\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) ascertain the maturity of the child,<\/p>\n<p>(b) where requested by the court, ascertain whether or not the child is capable of forming his or her views on the matters that are the subject of the proceedings, and report to the court accordingly,<\/p>\n<p>(c) where paragraph (b) does not apply, or where paragraph (b) applies and the expert ascertains that the child is capable of forming his or her own views on the matters that are the subject of the proceedings\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(i) ascertain the views of the child either generally or on any specific questions on which the court may seek the child\u2019s views, and<\/p>\n<p>(ii) furnish to the court a report, which shall put before the court any views expressed by the child in relation to the matters to which the proceedings relate.<\/p>\n<p>(7) The court or a party to proceedings to which this section applies may call as a witness in the proceedings an expert appointed under subsection (1).<\/p>\n<p>(8) Where, in proceedings referred to in subsection (1), the court has made an order under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1), nothing in this section shall prevent the court from\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) making a further order under either or both of those paragraphs, or<\/p>\n<p>(b) in making such a further order, appointing the same or a different expert to perform the function concerned.<\/p>\n<p>(9) The fees and expenses of an expert appointed under subsection (1) shall be paid by such parties to the proceedings concerned and in such proportions, or by such party to the proceedings, as the court may determine.<\/p>\n<p>(10) The Minister may, in consultation with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, by regulation specify\u2014<\/p>\n<p>(a) the qualifications and experience of an expert appointed under this section, and<\/p>\n<p>(b) the fees and allowable expenses that may be charged by such an expert.<\/p>\n<p>(11) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (10), regulations under that subsection may provide for:<\/p>\n<p>(a) the qualifications, and the minimum level of professional experience, to be held by an expert,<\/p>\n<p>(b) the minimum standards that shall apply to the performance by an expert of his or her functions under this section, and<\/p>\n<p>(c) such other matters as the Minister considers necessary to ensure that experts are capable of performing their functions under this section.]<\/p>\n<p>Annotations<\/p>\n<p>Amendments:<\/p>\n<p>F102<br \/>\nInserted (18.01.2016) by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9\/2015), s. 63, S.I. No. 12 of 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial Notes:<\/p>\n<p>E42<br \/>\nApplication of regulations made under subs. (10) extended (1.01.2019) by Domestic Violence Act 2018 (6\/2018), s. 27(6), S.I. No. 532 of 2018. In so far as those regulations apply to an expert appointed under subs. (1)(b) of that section, they shall also apply to an expert appointed under subs. (2).<\/p>\n<p>E43<br \/>\nPower pursuant to section exercised (1.01.2019) by Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 (Child\u2019s Views Expert) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 587 of 2018), in effect as per reg. 1(2).<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-20685\" data-postid=\"20685\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-20685 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Children&#8217;s Referendum Until 2012, the Constitutional provisions for the protection of the marital family were thought to be a factor which would weigh slightly, at least, against the first and paramount interest of the child. The welfare of the child has been the first and paramount consideration under legislation dating back over 50 years. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20685"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20685"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33080,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20685\/revisions\/33080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}