A drastic change is needed to radically overhaul child welfare and protection systems, a leading charity warned today.
Fergus Finlay, speaking at the publication of the organisation's "children's manifesto" for the election today, said the political parties must start opening up debate about the social crisis engulfing the country.
His call echoed that of the Enda Egan, chief executive of Carers Association last week, who said he was worried pressing social issues were "getting lost" in this election campaign.
In its "manifesto", Barnardos says radical change is needed in the way services are delivered to vulnerable and poor children.
It calls for the next government to establish a new Department of Social Care, which would have particular responsibility for child welfare, family support services and the protection of vulnerable groups such as the disabled.
"We need reform, restructuring and real dynamism in how policy is developed and, crucially, implemented," said Mr Finlay.
Promised new measure after new measure had not been implemented by the last government, including the holding of a children's rights referendum and the provision of after-care supports for children leaving State care, he said.
"All of these unkept promises remain to be delivered by the next government. We believe the only way this will happen is through structural reform changing the way the system works.
"A new Department of Social Care would bring services for children to the Cabinet table for the first time in a long time."
Director of advocacy with Barnardos, Norah Gibbons, called on the incoming government not to cut welfare and public services to children and families any further.
"Every child has a right to our protection. We are looking for real political choices in favour of children." She called for an "absolute plan" for the next ten years to commit to early years education.
"Ireland has not tackled literacy problems among children. The best place to combat this is in the early years of education.
"We know Government policies have increased the gap between rich and poor. In Barnardos we are seeing more children in damp and cold houses, going to school hungry, with no safe place to play. Welfare payments must not be cut any further," Ms Gibbons said.
