Voices of Tomorrow- OCO Yap outlines key asks for new Government

Young people from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) have put forward their key asks for the new Government over the next five years. They are calling for improved mental health services for children, enough housing for all, a decent standard of living, high quality and inclusive education and improved services and supports for children with disabilities. The priorities are laid out in their Voices of Tomorrow manifesto which is published by the OCO today.

In the document, the YAP highlights that while they weren’t able to vote in the recent General Election, they are the voters of tomorrow, and are urging the Government to listen to what they have to say:

“We may not be able to vote yet, but we are the voters of the future, the voices of tomorrow, which is why we’re asking the new Government to listen to what we have to say now. We are asking for change in five key areas over the next five years, not just for us, but for every child in Ireland.”

Some of the key asks from the OCO YAP, include:

1) Mental Health

* Increased funding and supports to make mental health services work better

* Education to help us look after our own mental health and to prevent stigma

* Training and supports for teachers, staff and counsellors to look after mental health in schools

 

2) Right to a home

* A Tax on vacant homes owned by multi-property owners

* More Social Housing and lower rents

* Landlords to stop discriminating against tenants who receive HAP payments

 

3) Addressing the Cost of Living crisis for children and young people by:

* The UNCRC to be fully incorporated into Irish law, especially the right to housing

* Targeted supports for families who are particularly vulnerable

* Investment in better public services for the groups and communities most affected by poverty

 

4) High quality and inclusive education

* Increased funding for schools

* More training for teachers so they know how best to support students

* Better protection for LGBTQIA+ students

 

5) Improved Disability services for children

* Increased funding for healthcare services to shorten the waiting lists, provide assessments, and support families with disabled children.

* Mandatory training on disability for all healthcare professionals and teachers.

* Increased investment

ENDS

Read Voices of Tomorrow from the OCO YAP, here:

Empowering Young Voices: 5 Asks for the New Government

• 28 Eanair 2025
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint