Sixteen children from some of the most "hard to reach" sections of Irish life have been chosen to take part in choosing the first Ombudsman for Children. Kitty Holland reports.
The 16, who cannot be identified to protect the process, were chosen at an meeting in Dublin on Saturday from 70 young people aged nine to 17 years.
They had been brought together by the National Children's Office.
The group was made up to ensure that children from all socio-economic backgrounds were involved, as well as from the Traveller, disability and ethnic minority sectors.
On Wednesday the 16 will meet with officials from the Office of the Civil Service and the Local Appointments Commission to finalise the advertisement for the Ombudsman post, which will appear in the press and internet on November 7th.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Children, Mr Brian Lenihan, said the inclusion of young people in the appointment of the Ombudsman was "not tokenistic".
"Their involvement in the process is absolutely essential. Young people know what they want, and as well as playing a part in choosing the person it's essential children play an active and full role in the work they do."
He said whoever was eventually appointed would be in contact with children, seeing them in their communities and "listening to them" as part of their work.
An Ombudsman for Children was promised in the National Children's Strategy and the appointment will be under the terms of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002.
The person will have two roles One will be to investigate complaints made by children, young people, their parents or carer against any public body, school or voluntary hospital.
The second role will be promotional, and will provide a voice at statutory level for the rights and welfare of all people under the age of 18.
Though he or she will not develop policy, the Ombudsman will have an advisory role to Government on all aspects of policy affecting young people.
Ms Maria Battle, the Deputy Commissioner for Children for Wales, who attended Saturday's event in an advisory capacity, said the majority of cases that came before her office in its first two years related to education issues and particularly special educational needs.
"There were cases, for example, of bullying in schools where the head teacher's response was: 'There's no bullying here'.
"We would go in and talk to the staff, look at the systems and other issues and draw up a best-practise plan."
She said the office was "perceived as policeperson occasionally", and that when it carried out an investigation, things could be "uncomfortable" for the organisations involved.
However, Mr Lenihan said there was "nothing to fear" from the appointment of an Ombudsman for Children.
"The person will be there for one thing - to ensure best practise," he said.