Niall Muldoon selected as new children’s ombudsman

Clinical psychologist Dr Niall Muldoon is set to become the new Ombudsman for Children, succeeding Emily Logan.

Dr Muldoon, who already works in the children's ombudsman's office as director of investigations, was nominated by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly after an open recruitment process. His appointment is subject to approval by both House of the Oireachtas.

Some 97 applications were received by the Public Appointments Service for the position. Mr Reilly’s department said the applications came from a wide range of candidates, both inside and outside the State. Children were directly involved in the final assessment and interview of shortlisted candidates.

Dr Muldoon was formerly national clinical director of the CARI children’s charity and has worked in the area of child protection for nearly 20 years.

Dr Reilly said he was encouraged by the significant interest in the post, which he described as “an integral part of an enhanced architecture in this State devoted to improving the lives of our children and young people”.

Dr Muldoon will be the second children's ombudsman since the office was established in 2004. He follows Ms Logan, who was re-appointed in 2009 for a second six-year term and left last October to take up the role of chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.