{"id":1283,"date":"2014-04-25T12:57:26","date_gmt":"2014-04-25T12:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2017-11-15T12:58:13","modified_gmt":"2017-11-15T12:58:13","slug":"childrens-ombudsman-marks-10th-anniversary-call-new-accountability-structures-ensure-independence-ombudsman-institutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/ga\/news\/childrens-ombudsman-marks-10th-anniversary-call-new-accountability-structures-ensure-independence-ombudsman-institutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Ombudsman marks 10th anniversary with call for new accountability structures to ensure independence of Ombudsman institutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Ombudsman for Children marks the tenth anniversary of her Office by hosting a conference examining the State\u2019s relationship with children and families, Emily Logan said it is time not just to reflect on the past decade but to consider the future of children\u2019s rights in Ireland.<\/p>\n

Emily Logan continued: \u201cOver the past decade, my Office has received a huge amount of support for the work we have undertaken from the public, politicians, civil society and the media. We have also been confronted with significant pockets of resistance, both active and passive, to the advancement of children\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking forward I believe the orientation of law and policy in Ireland must be towards fuller respect for the rights enumerated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I believe that Ireland continues to require a dedicated, expert and independent oversight of civil and public administration in this area.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I finish my tenure next year, I am of course concerned about the future of this Office because we have witnessed how independent institutions can be subject to politics.<\/p>\n

As Ombudsman for Children I account directly to the Oireachtas; however, I do not believe that Ombudsman institutions in Ireland enjoy the level of independence required to secure our future as a mature and well-functioning democracy. At present, the Executive, via individual Departments, controls the funding of Ombudsmen through Oireachtas votes even though these departments can be the subject of an investigation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe the legislature needs to reconsider the relationship between the Executive and Ombudsman institutions. I believe that in order to ensure and enhance the independence of such institutions, including my own Office, an Oireachtas committee should be charged with determining our budgets, providing for financial accountability, as well as ensuring that people like me are doing their jobs.<\/p>\n

Emily Logan concluded: \u201cThe Irish public service achieves a great deal for children and for the community every single day. Strengthening independent oversight allows for those services to become better. At a time when there is such disappointing and unwarranted criticism \u2013 indeed, at times derision \u2013 directed at the public service, I believe that Ombudsman can play a crucial role in rebuilding the public\u2019s trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact: Nikki Gallagher at 086-8163246<\/p>\n

Ombudsman for Children Speech at the Anniversary Symposium (April 2014)<\/a>\u00a0(PDF 100kb)<\/p>\n

For more information on children\u2019s rights see\u00a0www.itsyourright.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Ombudsman for Children timeline<\/h2>\n