Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - Children's Ombudsman.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

81 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Government commitments to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, he will report on the progress, if any, in establishing an independent ombudsman for children in the 12 months since the Geneva hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The Government recognises the importance of establishing a mechanism to vindicate the rights of children as provided for in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and it intends to introduce such a mechanism.

I am considering the establishment of a children's Ombudsman in this context.