Children’s rights in the 34th Dáil – The Ombudsman for Children’s Office highlights need to consider children’s issues in the new Programme for Government

As discussions now turn towards Government formation, the OCO is highlighting key areas affecting children that should be included in the new Programme for Government.

Reflecting on the need to prioritise children, the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon said:

“In lead up to the election the OCO met with politicians and party representatives with specific Asks for children. Over the past number of weeks, we have scrutinised the party manifestos to see how they measure up to ensure that the next Programme for Government is a child centred one. Although the scale of the commitment to children varies among the party manifestos, there is still time for strong commitments on children’s issues, and their rights, to be included in the Programme for Government.

“Fully incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into law is a key ask for the OCO and this features in some of the party’s plans. Incorporation would ensure a child centred approach to decision making across all public services, and its inclusion in the next Programme for Government would send a strong message about what kind of Government we can expect.

“Child-rights-based budgeting and multi-annual budgeting for children’s services remains a critical gap across all party manifestos. A stronger commitment to embedding child-rights-based approaches into financial planning would ensure resources are allocated effectively to address children’s needs and to achieve good outcomes for children.

“At present there is no independent complaints mechanism in the early year’s sector and the OCO has been identified as being well positioned to fulfil this role. We have always been clear that, considering the scale of State investment in early years and the welcome news that this investment is likely to grow considerably, we must ensure there is robust oversight of the sector. The OCO is currently fulfilling this function for other State funded services provided to children and we are open to playing a role in the early years sector also.

“Mental health supports, disability services for children and the care system feature prominently across all manifestos. There is an agreement among all parties that these are three areas where real change is needed and where children are currently underserved. We expect commitments in this area to carry through to the Programme for Government.

“Education reform is a shared priority among parties. Almost all manifestos propose measures to increase school places and services for children with special educational needs, demonstrating a widespread commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity in education. A number of parties also commit to holding a Citizens’ Assembly on Education, something the OCO has highlighted and which was not delivered from the last Programme for Government.

“In the area of housing and child homelessness, the OCO is still calling for a child specific homelessness strategy, as well as a referendum on the right to housing; something that has been included by a number of parties. However, few parties provide a concrete timeline, or plans, for ending child homelessness altogether.

“We also want to see similar ambition in ending child poverty and it is encouraging to see all parties plan to retain the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office. Resources, targeted interventions and strong leadership will be needed to lift a quarter of million children out of deprivation.

“It should go without saying that the 34^th Dáil should also include a strong and well-resourced Department of Children. There can be no risk of suggestions, similar to those mooted during Programme for Government negotiations in 2020, which put the Department of Children at risk.

“With the election now over it is vital that children’s issues are front and centre in any and all discussions. The OCO will continue our engagement with political representatives to ensure that we are strong voice for children, and that these issues are prioritised.”

Ends

• 4 December 2024
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Child Protection