Ombudsman: Children in care should have proper rights

The Children's Ombudsman has called for young people in care to be given proper constitutional rights.

Emily Logan told the Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution today that foster children and others in care were being excluded from Irish society because of a failure to modernise outdated family law.

"These children, in my view, remain invisible, their voices not heard," she said. "They're excluded from enjoying the stability and the loving environment afforded to most children in Ireland."

The committee, which is examining possible changes to the Constitution, is currently hearing submissions in relation to the section of the document relating to families and children.