OMBUDSMAN'S REACTION:THE PUBLICATION of the Ryan report last year has helped to significantly raise awareness about the vulnerability of young people, the Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan said yesterday.
Speaking at the launch of a schools resource pack from the Citizens’ Information Board that outlines the rights and entitlements of young people, Ms Logan said she was hopeful a children’s referendum would be held before the end of 2010. Ms Logan welcomed comments in the Dáil earlier this week by Minister of State for Children’s Affair Barry Andrews that the Republic has never been so close to constitutional change.
“I would share people’s desire and say that it would be great to see a constitutional referendum this year. The issue has obviously gotten caught up in wider political issues such as byelections and mayoral elections, but people are well aware of the vulnerability of children – whether that be individuals such as Tracey Fay or Daniel McAnaspie or others,” she said.
Ms Logan said the report helped to change attitudes over children’s rights – and the resource pack, which was developed as a programme for Transition year students, was a good example of children’s rights in practice.
“The younger we talk to people and the more we inform them of their rights and entitlements, the more responsible they will become,” she said.
