Children's rights--the public policy challenge: Emily Logan, Ombudsman for children. Doolin Lecture 5th Dec 2009.

Ms Emily Logan the Ombudsman for children was this year’s IMO Doolin lecturer. She is the first holder of the post and has been in position for 5 years. The appointment is based on the Ombudsman act 2002 and the Office is accountable to the Oireachtas. The interview panel for the post had a large representation of young people. The children made a great appointment. Ms Logan is a beacon of hope and inspiration at a time when many in authority have been found wanting in the care of children. The Office has attracted great interest among children as well as adults. Logan recalls addressing a group of 6th year students. At the end of her talk one highly impressed schoolgirl asked her ‘Ms Logan how many points do you need in the Leaving Certificate to become an Ombudsman?’ The philosophy that children should be centrally involved in the function of the Office has continued. There is a youth advisory panel consisting of 25 children. There is human rights education. There was the ‘Big Ballot’ in which 75,000 children voted on issues important to them. Separated children living in this country on their own are represented. When children visit the Office on business, pizzas are on the menu.