1,778 complaints lodged with Ombudsman for Children's Office

The latest annual report from the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO) paints a stark picture of the challenges facing children's public services in Ireland. With 1,778 complaints lodged in 2025, it's clear that many families are struggling to access the support they need. The increasing complexity of these complaints, often involving multiple agencies, highlights systemic issues that require urgent attention.

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complaints became "more complex" in 2025, with 15% referring to more than one agency.

RTÉ News, as a public service broadcaster, has a duty to report on these critical issues affecting the nation's most vulnerable. The figures showing education, child and family agency (Tusla), and health services as the primary areas of concern are deeply worrying. The persistent problems with Special Educational Needs support, bullying in schools, and access to mental health services like CAMHS demand immediate and effective solutions from the government.

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Education (31%), Tusla (20%) and health services (14%) topped the list of concerns from the public, which is in line with figures from the previous year.

Furthermore, the report's findings on the treatment of children in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and the struggles faced by families seeking adequate housing, particularly those with disabilities, underscore a broader societal failing. While the government has committed to a Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, the OCO's continued receipt of complaints in these areas suggests that implementation and impact are still lacking. It is crucial that these commitments translate into tangible improvements for children and families across the country.

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The most complained about issues were Special Educational support, bullying and complaints about management in schools.