Ireland

Margaret Tuite worked for the EU for 33 years. From 2011-2018, she was European Commission Coordinator for the rights of the child. After a leave of absence from September 2018, she retired on 1 May 2022. As of 09 April 2024: She is chair of the board of Child Rights International Network – CRIN, a board member of Defence for Children International (DCI) – Belgium and DCI International (VP for Europe). She is a member of Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) and chair of the board. She was formerly a member of the COPE Wise Persons Group and finally, she is a member of Keeping Children Safe’s independent committee of experts.

The goal of the Children’s Rights Alliance is to secure the changes in legislation policies and services required to ensure the implementation in Ireland of the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In accordance with this goal, the Alliance has been pursuing key objectives since its establishment in 1995; these are realising and defending children’s rights, monitoring and identifying the gaps in the protection of children’s rights and improving the implementation of law and Government policies.

Hugh Frazer is an independent expert who advises national European and international organisations (e.g. European Commission and UNICEF) and NGOs (e.g. Eurochild, European Anti Poverty Network, ESN) on the development of social inclusion policies and strategies with a particular focus on issues of child poverty.

Robbie Gilligan is a Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at the Trinity College of Dublin, Ireland. Robbie has been a social work educator and social researcher for 40 years. He is still a registered social worker, and an active researcher (having recently retired from my formal duties as Professor). The main focus of his research relates to children and young people in alternative care and adult care leavers. On a more limited basis, his work has also engaged with migrant children and with children with disabilities. In his research, Robbie emphasises approaches that foreground the child’s experience and needs, and policy relevance. The ecological perspective on the child’s reality is also prioritised, respecting the role of family, school and other social systems close to the child’s daily reality. In all of his work, Robbie endeavours to promote the rights of the child through deepening understanding of their needs, experiences and rights. Robbie is a National Correspondent in Eurochild’s DataCare project for Ireland.

The UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre (UCFRC) in University of Galway, has established a solid foundation as the foremost policy research centre in Ireland focused on improving the lives of children and families. Founded in 2007, it has delivered a range of research/evaluation reports, as well as a volume of peerreviewed academic outputs. It has a strong record of accomplishment in the area of rights-based consultations with children and young people and youth-led research.

Dr. Rita Melia, Ireland, is a lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Education and Care programme at Atlantic Technological University. She has worked in the early childhood education and care sector for over thirty years in practice, research and policy. Her main emphasis is on the right of all children to have quality early years experiences where they have a voice and choice

The ISPCC is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people; they are at the heart of everything they do. ISPCC provides a suite of relevant services, all under the Childline brand. Childline has added a range of online services to its well-known support line which now provides a 24-hour listening service through phone and webchat. Their child-centered services, programmes and supports are focused on strengthening resilience and developing coping competencies. By listening to, supporting and empowering children and young people, they strive to ensure they are better equipped to face life’s ups and downs and reach their full potential.