Children’s ombudsman ‘must prioritise hidden issues’

The new children’s ombudsman must prioritise the hidden issues of young people living in poverty, direct provision and inappropriate psychiatric services if he wants to succeed in his role, a leading children’s rights’ group has demanded.

The Children’s Rights Alliance (CRA) outlined the targets after Dr Niall Muldoon formally took over from Emily Logan to become the country’s second-ever official watchdog for the rights of the child.

Speaking after the appointment which has to be ratified by the Dáil and Seanad, CRA chief executive Tanya Ward said Dr Muldoon’s 20-year child protection record was key to moving child protection forward.