‘Young people’s voices going unheard’

THE OMBUDSMAN for children has expressed serious concern about the future of the office and its capacity to investigate due to a lack of resources.

Launching her office’s annual report yesterday, Emily Logan said she wished to place on the public record her concerns about the office’s ability to respond to increasing demand — particularly in investigative cases.

Last year, the office dealt with 912 complaints, up from 810 in 2008. They dealt with often complex cases concerning children in care, child protection and the adequacy of HSE services, relating both to difficulties in accessing appropriate services for children and young people, and also delays in the provision of those services.