Ombudsman for Children puts Election Manifesto Asks to TDs and Senators at Leinster House alongside former Scottish Commissioner for Children

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) has today presented their priorities for children for the next Programme for Government in Leinster House. The OCO were joined by Bruce Adamson, Former Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland who was instrumental in the full incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child earlier this year.

Speaking after the meeting with TDs and Senators the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon said:

“With a General Election just around the corner, we have been meeting with TDs, Senators and policy representatives from political parties to discuss what we believe should be the priorities for children in the next Dáil term. Our Asks relate to child homelessness, mental health, education and services for children. Central to this is that the next Government takes a more child centred approach and prioritise children in their Programme for Government.

“Incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Irish law underpins all of our Asks as this will guarantee that Government decision making is more child centred. That is why it was so important for us to have Bruce Adamson with us today to talk about what incorporation looks like in Scotland.

Speaking about Scotland’s experience of incorporation Mr Adamson said:

“On 16 July 2024 the UNCRC (Incorporation)(Scotland) Act 2024 came into force. This was the culmination of over a decade of work, led by children and young people. The Scottish Parliament was unanimous in its support for the law which will ensure that decisions are taken in children’s best interest; that children have a say in decision making; that all available resources are used to the maximum extent possible to fulfil rights like education, health, and an adequate standard of living – and that there is accountability when things go wrong.

“All children will benefit, but particularly those whose rights are most at risk – disabled children, care experienced children, children impacted by poverty. It will ensure more is done on things like supporting mental health.”

Niall concluded:

“As we approach the election cycle it is very important for us to highlight issues affecting children to our elected representatives. We will continue to talk to members of all parties and none about making progress for children, particularly the most vulnerable children who shockingly still cannot reach their potential in this country.”

OCO Priority Recommendations:  Take a more child centred approach across Government. This means fully incorporating the UNCRC into law and stop making excuses for lack of interagency cooperation. Agencies and department of the State must work better in the best interests of children. It is time for the State to integrate a child-rights-based approach to budgeting and put in place multi-annual budgets for children’s services so that the State can properly evaluate success and plan for anticipated and predictable needs. Ensure there is a Department of Children with a primary focus on children and that it has the required resources. Regulate Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and develop the mental health therapy in schools programme. Fix the Assessment of Need system while prioritising the services that flow from it, and introduce multi-annual budgets for children’s disability services. Hold a Citizens Assembly on the Future of Education that includes children throughout the entire process. Hold a referendum on the right to adequate housing, and develop specific child and family homelessness strategies. Keep the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office, and address the disproportionate impact of poverty on marginalised children. Ban the placement of children in care in unregulated accommodation, and put a specific focus on Teenagers at Risk. Provide funding for independent oversight of the Third Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy in relation to children, and immediately expand the OneHouse Barnahus service nationally.

ENDS

• 9 Deireadh Fomhair 2024
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint