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Healthcare

13 – 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Bobby’s story

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

What does this mean?

Under article 24 of the UNCRC, every child has the right to the best possible health care.

Children should have access to clean water and healthy food including a safe environment. You should be able to get good information to help you stay well.

Children should have access to different services, like the GP, hospital, mental health services, the dentist, physiotherapists, dietitians and occupational therapists.

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Different laws and policies in Ireland protect the right to health, meaning:

Children under the age of 8 can go to their GP for free.

Some families are entitled to a medical or GP visit card.

Children under 16 are entitled to free dental care.

Children get free vaccinations to keep them healthy and safe from disease.

There’s an organisation called Children’s Health Ireland who are directly responsible for looking after children who are seriously sick.

Bobby’s story

Last year my mental health was deteriorating due to exam stress, I mentioned this to my guidance counsellor in school, she said she would have to contact my mam. At the start I was annoyed with her for doing this but she who suggested some services for me to link in with in the community and asked how they could help me in school. I was put on a waiting list for CAMHS and in the meantime the school did what they could to make it easier for me. I was glad I spoke up.

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

While Ireland has made improvements in providing free healthcare to children over the years there are still some issues.

Many children have been on waiting lists for urgent medical care for very long periods of time. Click here to read more about Ivy’s case.

Ireland is a two tiered or dual healthcare system, meaning we have public (free) healthcare but also private healthcare options (where you can pay to get healthcare!). Some families can pay to get an appointment quickly but not every family can afford private healthcare. This means children in Ireland don’t have equal access to healthcare.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.