19 Oct 2021, 17:55
The Sub-Committee on Mental Health will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of children with representatives from Barnardos and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) at a meeting in Leinster House tomorrow, Wednesday 20 October.
Barnardos Chief Executive Suzanne Connolly and ISPCC Chief Executive John Church will appear before the Committee in Committee Room 2 at 9.30am.
Sub-Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Frances Black said: “People of all ages have been uniquely impacted by Covid-19. Children for example had to stay out of school and were isolated from friends and families because of public health restrictions. There may also have been additional pressures at home as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns.
“Barnardos which works with children, families and communities to help transform the lives of vulnerable children and the ISPCC which operates the national listening service Childline for children and young people in Ireland have had been working throughout the pandemic and have in-depth knowledge of issues faced by children during the pandemic and the impact it had on mental health and well-being. The Sub-Committee welcomes this opportunity to hear from both organisations about their work and the type of mental health supports they believe children need moving forward.”
Watch the meeting live.