Children's Ombudsman 'frustrated and disappointed' at lack of progress on children's issues
Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said although Ireland was one of the wealthiest countries in the world, 'we are consistently told we have to tighten our belts” regarding funding for children'. Picture: Maxwells
The Children’s Ombudsman has criticised the lack of progress “and even regression” on children’s welfare over the almost 10 years he has been in the role.
Dr Niall Muldoon said although Ireland was one of the wealthiest countries in the world, “we are consistently told we have to tighten our belts” regarding funding for children.
“I feel compelled to use this platform to express my frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress on a number of issues affecting children,” he told the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
“After almost 10 years in this role, I find myself still listing many of the same issues with no progress, and even regression to show for the passing of time.
“Some of these reoccurring issues include mental health services for children, school places for children with additional needs, services to follow assessments of needs, long waiting lists for children awaiting lifesaving spinal surgeries, and the profound adverse impact on children growing up in transitory accommodation such as homeless hubs, hotels, B&Bs.
Dr Muldoon said in July 2023 he was honoured to act as an adviser to the Mental Health Commission in the review of National Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services ( Camhs), carried out by Dr Susan Finnerty.
“The review told us that the commission cannot provide an assurance to all parents in Ireland that their children have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based mental health service. If these children are not safe, then they are at risk," he said.
“The review recommended the regulation of Camhs, a call repeated in the Mental Health Commission annual report, published only last week in June 2024.
“No progress has been made on that recommendation in the past 12 months."
Dr Muldoon said the acute staff shortages in children’s healthcare were unnecessary.
He said Ireland has known about the need for more staff like psychologists for years, and although we may still be suffering some 20% staff shortages, with proper planning we should not need to be suffering 50% to 60% shortages.
There is a four-year waiting list from primary care services for children in Cork alone, leaving less chance they will be able to avoid more acute intervention with Camhs upstream.
And the problems ultimately come down to finance, he said.
He called for public servants and departments working for children to “fight the minister for public expenditure and reform” rather than fighting parents trying to secure services for their children through the courts.
The customer for departments like Education are ultimately children and many public servants seem to have lost sight of this, he said.
Dr Muldoon was before the committee to discuss Uncertain Times: The Ombudsman for Children’s Office 2023 annual report.
The report showed last year, the OCO received 1,790 complaints.
“Education was again the most complained about issue in 2023, with 40% of complaints relating to education," he said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
