21^st May 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT FAILS TO APPOINT OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN GREENS CALL FOR DÁIL DEBATE

One year after the passing of the Ombudsman for Children Act the post has neither been advertised nor filled.

Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today,” Children are losing out. This was one of the great promises of the last Government, yet we are still waiting. An Ombudsman for Children could help to ensure that the rights of vulnerable children are protected. This would include the rights of children in sub-standard school conditions, as well as children in custody.”

"Despite the promises from the then Minister for Children, Mary Hanafin, we
have yet to see any sign of progress on the issue, even though the legislation
was passed. For the sake of all children we are calling on the Government to advertise and fill this post.”

The Green Party has requested an adjournment debate in Dáil Éireann this evening
21st May to discuss the Government's failure to appoint an Ombudsman for Children.

ENDS