Children's Ombudsman frustrated by restriction
Tuesday, 28 June 2005 22:15
The Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, has described her first year in the post as challenging but frustrating.
Speaking at the launch of the office's first annual report, Ms Logan complained that legislation was impeding her work and appealed for her powers to be strengthened.
Ms Logan said the office is prevented from helping children in certain places of detention and is excluded from dealing with matters concerning the Garda Siochána and the law relating to asylum and citizenship.
She was speaking at the launch of the office's first annual report.
The office will submit a detailed report to the Oireachtas in April next year in the hope of extending its powers.
The report says the Ombudsman for Children's Office received 177 complaints in its first 12 months and 85% of those within remit were dealt with successfully.
Almost 52% of complaints related to education; 16% to health and the remainder to issues of child protection, social welfare entitlements and asylum and immigration.
