Individuals under the age of 18 seem to be largely invisible to the public sector when it makes decisions about them, according to the Ombudsman for Children.
Calling for reform, Emily Logan described as ‘very stark’ the ignorance of how quickly harm can be done to children by depriving them of education, separating them from parents or providing for their care.
Ms Logan was commenting on a review by UCC academic Dr Ursula Kilkelly of ten key investigations carried out by the Ombudsman for Children's Office.
The investigations range from children and young people being denied school transport to those dying in the care of the State.
On the promised children's rights amendment to the Constitution, the Ombudsman recalled that three Government departments were concerned about an all-party Oireachtas Committee's proposed wording.
She said it appeared there was concern about 'unintended consequences' that might result if the best interests of children were made paramount.
Ms Logan said any attempt to diminish children's best interests should be resisted by the Government when amending the Constitution.
