Dublin South West  TD Seán Crowe commenting on the increased of amount complaints to the Children’s Ombudsman’s Office said it was a worrying trend  that once again the majority of cases related to various aspects of  education. Crowe urged parents and guardians to use the resources of the Childrens Ombudsmans office to access legal rights and entitlements for  children where denied.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“In the Ombudsman for Children’s Annual Report for 2011, it shows there were almost 1,500 complaints lodged last year – an increase of 22% on the year before.

“It is extremely worrying  that  once again  nearly half the complaints reported related to educational issues, including transport and the allocation of special needs supports and services.

“This report  clearly illustrates how the incremental cuts on education are directly impacting on children and as  Ombudsman Emily Logan correctly states in her report, the rights of Irish children were often systematically rejected.

“Earlier in the year a school principals refusal to admit a 16-year-old girl because she was pregnant was highlighted in the national.media. As a direct result of a complaint, this young persons case was brought to the Children’s Ombudsman  and Education Minister Ruairí Quinn has now agreed  to amend legislation around school enrolment.

“Any parent or guardian who has concerns about the rights and entitlements of a child should consider using the resources of the Children’s Ombudsman’s office as this particular case shows, they  can deliver for applicants.”