The Ombudsman for Children’s description of the appalling conditions at a local authority halting site in Cork city makes for shocking reading. The 10-bay Spring Lane site, which is not identified by name in the report of the ombudsman’s investigation into it, is home to 38 families, including 66 children. Children living there have a high rate of illness, including respiratory problems, and a lack of safe areas to play. The report shines a light on a grave problem that too many arms of the State wish to ignore. Its emphasis on the experiences of children, whose voices are amplified in the report, adds to its force.

Source: The Irish Times May 26, 2021 23:04 UTC