The Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, has said that the establishment of a community led Mental Health Taskforce for children and young people by the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee, must result in specific and clear actions, that will make a real difference in the lives of young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe establishment of a National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health is a very positive development and one that has the potential to drive real change in an area where it is very much needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is essential however, that this community-led group is focused on identifying clear actions in the area of mental health reform for children and young people, and that these actions are supported with the necessary resources to make them a reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very pleased to see that the Mental Health Taskforce is to take the form of a community-led group and very much encouraged that children and young people themselves will be closely involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving worked with a number of the members of the Mental Health Taskforce, I am confident that they have the experience and expertise necessary to make this project a success.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of our Strategic Plan 2016-2018, the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office has committed to raising awareness of the rights of children and young people in the area of mental health. I have requested a meeting with Minister McEntee where I intend to outline to her the work we are doing in this area, and to express our willingness to support the National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health, where we can.\u201d<\/p>\n