A CHILDREN’S legal rights expert has expressed alarm at proposed changes to the way the HSE funds representation for vulnerable children in the courts.

THE statutory body which advises on the appointment of legal advisers in childcare proceedings has claimed new legislation could saddle Guardian ad Litems with massive legal bills.

MORE than three-quarters of children who are involved in court proceedings do not have their voice heard due to the lack of a specially appointed adviser.

The United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child specifically stipulated that the views of children must be taken into account in matters affecting them. But legal proceedings are frequently taken with the children having no say at all.