Emily Logan appointed Chair of European Network of Ombudsmen for Children

President McAleese will today (Wednesday) open the annual conference of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) which is being held in Dublin for the first time, and which will mark the start of Emily Logan’s tenure as Chair of the Network.

Emily Logan was elected Chair of ENOC by her international peers and will assume the Chair from September 2008 until September 2009.

The Children’s Ombudsman will host the three day annual conference which is taking place at Dublin Castle, and which is being attended by 32 Ombudsmen for Children Offices from 26 Council of Europe Member States as well as international experts and observers. The role of ENOC is to facilitate the promotion and protection of the rights of children across Europe.

Emily said:

“This is a critical time for children’s rights in Ireland. Ireland has a good reputation at international and European level in the area children’s rights. I hope to use the opportunity of Chair of ENOC to demonstrate Ireland’s commitment and ability to lead on the advancement of children’s rights and welfare.”

Emily added:

“The Ombudsman for Children’s Act, 2002, obliges my Office to collaborate with Ombudsmen for Children in other jurisdictions. As the first person to hold the post of Ombudsman for Children in Ireland, I have found being a member of ENOC has been hugely beneficial in helping me set up Office. It is very useful to be able to look to international experience or evidence to support some of my own work in Ireland. Similarly, I am delighted to say, that as my Office has grown in size and experience, others are now looking to us for advice and support.”

ENDS