The incoming Government can expect strong engagement from the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office in relation to their commitments for children and young people. The new Programme for Government outlines some very positive initiatives for children but overall the document lacks detail, timelines and specifics when it comes to fully progressing children\u2019s rights. In its analysis of the new Government\u2019s commitments over the next 5 years, the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office (OCO) acknowledges the potential of this Government to deliver for children but has also identified key areas that we believe need to be strengthened and where more detail is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calls from the OCO to include incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child fully into national law have been left out of the new Programme for Government, which is a missed opportunity to strengthen the legal framework for children and ensure that all government policies and laws are evaluated through a child-rights lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Programme for Government outlines some positive initiatives aimed at enhancing children\u2019s wellbeing, such as investments in Early childhood education and care, expanding access to early learning and childcare for disadvantaged children, and implementing a holistic wellness programme in schools. We look forward to finding out more about how the Government will deliver on these commitments and in what timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, the Government acknowledges the urgent need to address children\u2019s mental health challenges, with commitments to review and expand mental health pilots in schools, legislate to regulate CAMHS, and develop a workforce plan to address staffing shortages. If effectively implemented, these measures could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents in Ireland. These changes need to be pursued without delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the Programme for Government commits to multiannual funding for housing, supporting people out of homelessness and giving children the best start in life, it is still unclear how children\u2019s best interests will be prioritised. With over 5,000 children currently homeless in the State, there is an urgent need for a targeted, child specific plan with a focus on preventing homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The retention of the Child Poverty and Wellbeing Programme Office is positive, but we await the specifics on targeted supports for vulnerable groups, and mechanisms to effectively evaluate poverty reduction measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to education, commitments to continued reform of the Senior Cycle curriculum, expanding the Hot School Meals programme, and the new DEIS Plus scheme are welcome. Plans to expand the Transition Year Programme address some of the concerns raised by the OCO in our 2024 report on this issue. It is also welcome to see a focus on school places for children with special educational needs to support them to go to school in their local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the OCO is disappointed that there is no commitment to hold a Citizens\u2019 Assembly on the Future of Education and that only limited attention is given to bullying and student participation in curriculum reform. Notably, it omits the Student and Parent Charter Bill and the establishment of an independent complaints mechanism for Early Years services, both recommended by the OCO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is concerning that the document excludes any mention of children living in direct provision and the urgent need to address the issue of unregulated accommodation for children in care, raising concerns that these vulnerable groups of children may not be prioritised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The OCO welcomes the commitment to expanding Barnahus nationally, support Kinship Carers, strengthening measures to prevent violence against children, and ensuring full implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The commitment to establish a National Child Death Review Mechanism on a statutory footing is extremely significant and indicates a real understanding of the shortfalls in the current system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the coming weeks and months, the OCO will seek to engage again with Government parties to help progress plans and initiatives for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n