Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan said at the opening of a new children's "hub" in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, yesterday that children and families needed support in order to develop their potential but many were on the margins of society and did not have a voice.
Speaking at the launch of the Dungarvan family support project, Ms Logan noted that almost one-third of Ireland's population consisted of children and young people under 18.
"In my role as Ombudsman for Children, I talk to many children and young people who are on the margins of our society and who do not always have a voice . . . A centre such as this is a critical resource to the local community and will play an important role in helping all children and especially the most vulnerable children and young people in Co Waterford to reach their potential."
The building has been extensively renovated to support children, their parents/guardians and childcare providers.
It was fitting that the joint operators of the centre - Waterford County Childcare Committee (WCCC) and children's charity Barnardos - were contributing to the creation of this "children's hub", Ms Logan added.
Among the services offered by Barnardos at the centre are support for families experiencing difficulties, parenting classes and a Traveller mother and toddler group.
The WCCC also provides accredited training for childcare practitioners, childminders and parents, as well as contributing to the strategic development of childcare services in the area.