Naomi Feely: We need a Covid recovery plan for children 

Building on progress made in the pandemic, the Government should adopt a preventative approach that prioritises long-term affordable and social housing, writes Naomi Feely

As we emerge from the pandemic, it is clear that we need a Covid recovery plan for all children and young people in Ireland — particularly those experiencing disadvantage.

"Over the past two years we can see the difficulties that children and young people have suffered, but hopefully, now we will be able to allow children to have a normal life’. 

These are the closing remarks of Judge Catherine McGuinness at the launch of the Children’s Rights Alliance annual Report Card on Monday. There is no doubt that children and young people have been severely impacted by the introduction of a wide range of restrictions introduced since March 2020. We know this through our interactions with our own children and with young people in our families, and in our communities.