Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 15 June 2023

Committee on Public Petitions

Ombudsman for Children's Annual Report 2021: Office of the Ombudsman for Children

Photo of Martin BrowneMartin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Dr. Muldoon. Before I let others in, I have two quick questions. The number of complaints in 2021 was 2,126. Dr. Muldoon stated the increase was mainly related to Covid-19. However, according to the figures published in the OCO's latest annual report, the number of complaints in 2022 was 1,812. Leaving Covid aside, this is quite a significant increase on the 2020 numbers. Will Dr. Muldoon expand on this and why it shows Ireland is starting to fall behind on many issues?