Statement from The Ombudsman for Children’s Office

Dr Niall Muldoon has informed the Department of Children, Disability and Equality that he will finish up in the role of Ombudsman for Children in January 2027 following the completion of his second and final term.

Niall has been at the helm of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) since he was first appointed to the role by President Michael D Higgins in February 2015. He was reappointed by the President for a second six-year term in February 2021.

During this time, Niall has been at the forefront of progressing children’s rights in Ireland and has been a vocal proponent for children particularly in the areas of mental health, education, disability and for children in care.

Over the past 12 years, the OCO has carried out a number of major systemic investigations to address issues in children’s public services; has engaged with thousands of children through consultation and participation and ensured that vulnerable children in Direct Provision have access to the OCO’s complaints mechanism.

Niall has spent 10 years as a key member of the European Network of Ombudsman for Children and is regularly engaging with European colleagues across the EU and Council of Europe area. More recently, he has been a strong advocate for the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC into Irish law.

Niall has led the OCO with passion, integrity and courage, always ensuring that children and young people remain at the heart of our work.

All of us at the OCO wish Niall continued success and all the very best in his next chapter in 2027 and in the meantime, we look forward to continuing our important workplan around progressing children’s rights in Ireland. 

• 3 November 2026