1. Equal Rights to Education for All Children?
Progress - But we're not there yet
Dr. Niall Muldoon
Ombudsman for Children
National Parents Council – Special Needs Conference
Aisling Hotel, 12 Nov 2016

2. A Little About Me Donegal GAA and Sports ++
Bank, College, Psychology, OCO, Ombudsman
People without Judgement (S.O., Intellectual Disability, Children, Families, Sports People)
Ombudsman Job Description
Someone to Listen; Have a cup of tea with; Have fun with; Brave; Someone to fight for me;

3. Ombudsman for Children’s Office
Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002
Independent statutory body
Presidential appointment
Direct accountability to the Oireachtas

4. OCO Key Functions 1. Complaint Handling
Free, Independent and Impartial
Alternative Dispute Resolution
2. Promotion of Children’s Rights and Welfare
Provide advice to Government on Law affecting children
Encourage the development of better public administration
Educate and raise awareness of children’s rights
Consult directly with children and highlight their concerns

5. VISION
We want to see an Ireland where all children and young people are actively heard and respected so that they experience safe, fulfilling and happy everyday lives.
We will use our independence and powers to the fullest extent to bring this about.

6. VALUES

7. OBJECTIVE 1- We will increase awareness of children and young people’s rights, the UNCRC and the role of OCO
OBJECTIVE 2 We will work to build capacity among public organisations whose work impacts on children and young people to develop and implement a child rights based approach to their practice
OBJECTIVE 3 We will influence positive change for and with children and young people in Ireland
– 3 Cohorts

8. Special Needs Complaints in OCO
Child in Pre-School Free Year (ECCE)
No specific provider of SNA type support
Pro Rata over two years
“A draft final report was circulated…A further revised draft final report is being prepared”
New Access & Inclusion Model (AIM)
Unaccompanied Minor (2nd Level)
26 Schools & Home Tuition
EWO & SENO Designation - Education (Admissions) Bill

9. Special Needs Complaints to OCO
State Examination Commission (SEC)
Reasonable Accommodation for Certified Examinations (RACE) Scheme
200 complaints over 3 years (new in remit)
No full investigations but seriously concerned
3 Main Issues
Fairness; Communications; Oversight
New RACE Scheme for 2017 Exams
JC & LC ; Schools Decide; Learning Difficulty but NO Diagnosis (N=1000)

10. YOUNG PEOPLE INFLUENCING CHANGE: HEARING AND HIGHLIGHTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS
Separated children seeking asylum
Young people detained in St. Patrick’s Institution
Young people experiencing homelessness

11. Hearing the voice of the child

12. CHILDREN SEEN AND HEARD
“A Sense of wonder in the young people, nothing frightens them and they are not afraid to use their imagination”
“A profound sense of ethics and…positive value set”

13. “Discovery … You should get to find out more things about yourself through education …Like discover your own talents and skills rather than it being forced upon you that you have to do this, this and this to get on … It’s just very stressful …You don’t really get to find out much about yourself through education.” (Co Louth)

14. “Every child should leave school with self-confidence … I think they would get that if school focused a bit less on academic work and more on personal growth.” (Co Monaghan)
“More group work … to build up our confidence to talk to new people or to speak out.” (Co Donegal)
“Education should teach us more about real-life situations, for example helping or caring for a relative if they are sick or in need.” (Co Kilkenny)

16. “Where do human rights begin?”
“In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works...Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” Eleanor Roosevelt

17. Further information and publications:
Freephone
It’s Your Right: