'Far too many children in Ireland experience homelessness', warns Rapporteur

Broadcaster Mairead Ronan sitting on a bed in a space designed as a typical 12x12 foot hotel room showcasing what life is like for the 2,642 children living in emergency accommodation this Christmas. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The Special Rapporteur on Child Protection has identified child homelessness and the under-resourcing of child-protection services as areas to be addressed by the Government.

In his first report since succeeding Dr Geoffrey Shannon as the government-appointed Rapporteur, Dr Conor O'Mahony also backs a constitutional right to housing and proposes changes to voluntary care placements, including that limits be placed on the length of time a child can be placed in care with the consent of their parents.