Shannon, G.2017-11-022017-11-022016Shannon, G. (2016). Ninth Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection.https://www.childrensrights.ie/resources/ninth-report-special-rapporteur-childhttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/3588The report highlights that whilst it is widely acknowledged that children have a right to be heard in judicial proceedings concerning them, issues arise as to the effectiveness with which this right is implemented and applied. For such a right to be meaningful it must be applied effectively. In Ireland the guardian ad litem is the most appropriate conduit to ensure that a child is properly heard in judicial proceedings concerning him/her. However, as highlighted in previous reports, the appointment and role of a guardian ad litem is a matter that requires legislative clarity and structure.enjudicial proceedingsInternational ResourcesIrelandtestimonychildren's rightsArticle