The Ombudsman for Children received almost 1,800 complaints last year, highlighting various issues faced by children in Ireland. The annual report titled “Uncertain Times” revealed that children aged between ten and 14 years old were the most affected, with 3% of complaints being made by the children themselves.
In a statement, Dr Niall Muldoon, the Ombudsman for Children, expressed concern over the State’s failure to fulfill its obligations to children with disabilities and those in State care. The report emphasized the challenges faced by children, including access to education, health services, and suitable living conditions.
The report detailed cases like ‘Michael’, a wheelchair user, who had to live in unsuitable conditions until the OCO intervened and secured a suitable property for him. Another case involved ‘Ryan’, a non-verbal teenager with complex needs, whose mother raised concerns about his treatment at school.
The report also highlighted delays in managing disclosures of abuse and the lack of appropriate accommodation for vulnerable children. The OCO’s efforts to address these issues and advocate for children’s rights were commendable, but much more needs to be done to ensure the well-being of all children in Ireland.