The promise of a republic of equals set out in the 1916 proclamation has not yet been fully realised for children, President Mary McAleese claimed today.
Speaking at the Barnardos Tomorrow’s Child conference in Dublin, Ms McAleese told her audience: “The 1916 Proclamation of Independence put it very poetically when it set us an agenda as a republic of equals where the children of the nation would be cherished equally.
“That ambition has not shifted nor, despite huge effort especially in recent years, has it yet been fully realised.”
Ms McAleese said it was in our best interests to ensure our children have an opportunity to develop, mature and contribute their own unique abilities to their country and the world.
The President claimed Ireland’s children were infinitely more fascinating today than at any time in the past, as every colour and creed are represented.
Ms McAleese said all of these youngsters were in Ireland’s care and warned what happened in their homes, schools and streets would have the capacity to make or break their lives.
“Whatever the prevailing winds or tides, our children are and must be a major priority for civic society,” the President said. “For it is civic society that ultimately picks up the pieces in terms of behavioural problems, mental ill-health, underachievement and marginalisation.”
The President said leaving families to “sink or swim” on their own would cause problems that would continue for generations.
She also appealed to Barnardos to continue to care for the young and act as children’s advocates and champions.
“A lot of children depend on us to get things right for them,” she said. “Though they do not yet know it, they need champions and advocates, they need each one of you who has committed to this vocation of care for the young.”
The two-day event, which began yesterday, brings together a range of experts to discuss the trends and challenges shaping the lives children. Keynote speakers include experts from UCD, NUI Maynooth, and Pennsylvania State University.
Minister for Children Barry Andrews opened the event and unveiled a research report commissioned by Barnardos.
PA