#InPictures: KOD Lyons partner addresses TDs and Senators on World Children’s Day

Mr Noble, who specialises in child law, presented in the Oireachtas on key issues in child law.

Given the average age of young Irish people leaving home is now 26, he called on the Government to replace the concept of aftercare with continuing care to reflect this reality.

He cautioned strongly against proposed changes to the Guardian ad litem system, which he said would dilute the position and voice of representatives of the child in childcare proceedings, stressing the constitutional right of children to participation in such matters.

Mr Noble’s presentation touched on the lack of access to vital services for children in care and highlighted the circumstances of other children in the “care of the state” - namely children in direct provision, children residing in residential disability services, children in psychiatric services, unaccompanied minors, children in criminal justice facilities and the criminalisation of children in the care system where there are systemic failures in meeting their welfare needs.

He also referred to what he called the “dark and murky” world of child trafficking.

Mr Noble called on his audience to ensure that this important work continues beyond days such as this. He concluded by asking his audience to work collectively towards ensuring that Ireland “becomes the best small country in the world in which to care for a child and be a child”.