Childrens' group marks Govt down for Budget 2012

The Government has been given a "C Plus" grade for its treatment of children in Ireland.

The Childrens Rights Alliance has praised the Coalition for setting up a Department of Children and Youth Affairs and committing to a referendum on children's rights.

However, in its annual "Report Card", it marked the Government down for putting vulerable children into further poverty in Budget 2012 and for the detention of minors at Saint Patricks Institution in Dublin.

Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Childrens Rights Alliance, said they will be keeping an eye on the Government's promises throughout the year.

Ms Ward said: "We are also looking to see a referendum take place in 2012. They also have to launch a national childrens' strategy and that needs to be focused on the rights of the child.

"We also expect to see some improvements in some particular target areas, particularly education supports for children with special needs and we want to see some improvements in Budget 2013 for low-income families."