Dr Niall Muldoon

Dr Niall Muldoon called for incorporation as a matter of urgency as he reflected last week on his office’s annual report for 2024, which marks 20 years since the children’s rights watchdog was formally established in 2004.

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office received 1,772 complaints in 2024, with the most common categories of complaint being education (33 per cent), Tusla (19 per cent) and children’s health services (15 per cent).

“There has been much progress made for children in the two decades since our office first opened its doors in 2004, but in the current climate of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever for the State to bed down its commitment on children’s rights,” Dr Muldoon said.

“That is why our office is committed to driving our campaign for the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC into Irish law. Incorporation is the most important thing we can do to protect and safeguard the rights of all children in Ireland.

“Every issue we highlight in our annual report leads us back to the need to give real force to the international obligations we have already signed up to. It will put children and their rights at the heart of every decision within the public and civil service and gives us a stronger basis to ensure we are keeping our promises to children.

“We have been raising these and other issues directly with the Taoiseach and cabinet ministers to ensure that every child in Ireland can fully enjoy their full suite of rights.

“As we reflect on the 20 years since our office began working to promote and protect children’s rights in Ireland, the progress that has been made and the wonderful staff who have come through our doors in that time, we must also remember to look to the future and at the possibilities that lay before us to improve the lives of all children here.

“Ireland is now at a crossroads of what can be achieved for children and this office will continue to push for the rights of children to be the signpost that is followed at all times. By doing that we can bring to life the government’s promise to make Ireland the best place in Europe for children to grow up.”

A new series of briefing papers aimed at legislators and civil and public services has also been launched by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.