Ombudsman says adults - not children - failing to comply with social distancing

“The current health crisis has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for the adults in our society, particularly the older members of our community who are most at risk," he said.

The Ombudsman for Children has praised young people for their response to the coronavirus pandemic and said that they are not only to blame for failing to maintain social distancing during the current crisis.

Dr Niall Muldoon issued a lengthy statement in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak in which he said he wanted to "commend the children in Ireland for the strength and resilience they have shown during this strange time".