Children's Ombudsman received over 1,800 complaints in 2022

Niall Muldoon: It is not possible to accurately say how much the State spends on children due to inadequate data gathering. File picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Children's Ombudsman has called on the Government to spend surplus budget income on services for vulnerable children, including those in care and with disabilities.

Last year was the busiest ever for the service, with 1,812 complaints received, including almost one in three about school or education, excluding the pandemic year 2021. Complaints were also received about hospital waiting lists, direct provision, and foster care.