Statement from UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power following the publication of the Report on Deaths of Young People in State Care
Dublin, 20 June 2012 – UNICEF Ireland today extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the 196 children and young people whose untimely deaths were investigated by the Independent Child Death Review Group.
Responding to the publication of the Group’s report today, UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power said:
UNICEF Ireland is deeply disturbed by this report and its findings which highlight the catastrophic failure of the Irish child welfare and protection services to care for and protect some of Ireland’s most vulnerable children.
Today’s report once again highlights the need in Ireland for a child protection system & a dedicated agency to protect these vulnerable children.
UNICEF Ireland calls on the Government to implement the Report’s findings as soon as possible.
UNICEF Ireland reiterates the need for the rights of the child to be incorporated into the Irish constitution and UNICEF will support any proposed Constitutional Amendment consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child.
ENDS
For reference: Julianne Savage, UNICEF Ireland. julianne@unicef.ie