The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) received 1,772 contacts regarding complaints about children’s public services in 2024, with Donegal accounting for 3% of these.
According to the OCO’s Annual Report for 2024, titled “Tomorrow Starts with Us,” nearly one in five complaints involved more than one agency, and a third concerned multiple categories.
Education remains the most frequent subject of complaints to the OCO (33%), followed by Tusla (19%) and children’s health services (15%), including issues related to access to an Assessment of Need.
Throughout 2024, the OCO engaged with almost 2,500 children through Rights Education workshops and school visits nationwide. They also continued crucial outreach work in Direct Provision and accommodation centers, Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus, CAMHS, and community and voluntary centers.
This Annual Report marks the 20th anniversary of the OCO’s establishment in 2004, dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of children in Ireland.
The Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, is a native of Lifford.
He stated, “Much progress has been made for children in the two decades since our Office first opened its doors in 2004. However, in the current climate of uncertainty and change, it is crucial for the State to solidify its commitment to children’s rights. Therefore, our Office is dedicated to advancing our campaign for the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC into Irish law.”
“Incorporation is the single most important step we can take to protect and safeguard the rights of all children in Ireland. Every issue highlighted in our Annual Report underscores the need to give real effect to the international obligations we have already committed to. This will prioritize children and their rights in every decision made within the public and civil service, providing a stronger foundation for ensuring we keep our promises to children.”
“We have been discussing these and other issues directly with the Taoiseach and Cabinet Ministers to ensure that every child in Ireland can fully enjoy their complete set of rights.”
“As we reflect on the past 20 years of working to promote and protect children’s rights in Ireland, the progress achieved, and the dedicated staff who have contributed to our Office, we must also look to the future and the opportunities to improve the lives of all children here.”
“Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in what can be achieved for children, and this Office will continue to advocate for children’s rights to be the guiding principle at all times. By doing so, we can realize the Government’s commitment to making Ireland the best place in Europe for children to grow up.”
Over 1,770 complaints about children’s public services came from Donegal in 2024 was last modified: June 16th, 2025 by
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