Barnardos welcomes the news that the new Cabinet announced at the weekend will include a full Ministerial seat for children and young people. The expansion of the former Department of Children and Youth Affairs to now include Equality, Disability and the undertaking to end Direct Provision is also welcome given these are key areas affecting many of today’s vulnerable children.
Suzanne Connelly, CEO Barnardos said “We are delighted the Government has retained a full Ministerial seat for children. This is a great step in ensuring the protection of vulnerable children and young people in the future. It is welcome to see the inclusion of the complimentary briefs of Equality and Disability in the make-up of the Department; but it is crucial the Department is fully resourced to achieve its additional aims.
“We hope this move will see children and young people placed at the centre of policies designed to tackle inequalities, improve access and service provision for people with disabilities and in plans to end Direct Provision and to create a more humane international protection system.
“Barnardos welcomes Minister O’Gorman to his new role, and we urge him to prioritise vulnerable children during his tenure. We have seen time and time again how the state has failed vulnerable children. We hope this positive move will ensure that the necessary supports and services are put in place to protect against a future where our children are not protected.”
The Programme for Government sets out a target of investing in proven family support and parenting programmes. Barnardos believe it is crucial that these core promises are prioritised to ensure the protection of vulnerable children and young people.
END
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Lorna Cronnelly: 087 0957757
Visit Barnardos Media Centre www.barnardos.ie/media
Facebook: barnardosireland
Twitter: @Barnardos_IRL
Instagram: @barnardos_irl
About Barnardos
Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and our partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences. www.barnardos.ie