The Government's rhetoric on protecting children's rights at the UN this week was impressive, but it doesn't match the reality, writes Carl O'Brien.
Eight years ago, when the UN issued its findings over the State's record on children's rights, the Government felt stung by the level of criticism.
The picture the UN officials painted of the Government in its concluding report was a gloomy one. They saw a disconnected government, with departments responsible for education, health and the welfare of children, operating independently of each other. There was no plan or set of objectives for improving the quality of life for children. There was little understanding or regard for the voice of children at any level.
The practical effects of this were children and families locked in poverty and not receiving a holistic range of services. The rights of children with mental health problems were being breached when they were forced to stay in adult psychiatric hospitals.
This week, Minister for Children Brian Lenihan and his 14-strong delegation of officials presented a dramatically different picture.
It certainly sounded impressive. We now have a Minister for Children who sits at the Cabinet table, who acts as the voice of children in policies affecting them. An Ombudsman for Children has been appointed to protect children's rights.
A 10-year strategy to improve the lives of children has been adopted by the Government. We have departments working together, resulting in a "strategic, integrated approach to legislation, policy-making and service provision" for young people.
Government spending on services for children in areas such as education and health have improved dramatically, while an estimated 100,000 children have been lifted out of deprivation since its last appearance before the UN committee. The Government is even reviewing the Constitution to see if it could contain an express recognition of children's rights.
So much has changed. And yet so little has. For all the buzz words of "integration" and "strategic thinking", the day-to-day reality for many of the most vulnerable children in Ireland hasn't changed at all in the last eight years.
Despite our stunning economic success, Ireland still has one of the highest child poverty rates in Europe, with one in 10 children experiencing consistent poverty. In practice, this means children going without essentials such as proper meals or winter clothing.
Services for children with mental health problems in many areas are just as bad as they were eight years ago. Government officials were unable even to provide UN officials with figures on how long children are waiting for these vital services. They simply didn't know.
Some reforms to the youth justice system, such as an end to the practice of jailing children alongside adults, won't be implemented until the end of the decade.
Parents of children with disabilities or developmental problems are still finding it almost impossible to access sufficient supports such as speech and language or occupational therapy. Yet all international research shows that such children can make dramatic progress and help fulfil their potential with early intervention.
And then there are the new issues which have emerged in more recent years, but which don't appear to be treated with the priority they demand. The scandal of the disappearance of hundreds of separated children seeking asylum and their discriminatory treatment in the care system continues, for example, as officials continue to discuss abstract plans and strategies.
Yes, planning is essential. Administrative reforms are necessary. And talk of integration of services is important. But unless these reforms are accompanied by real change to the lives of the most vulnerable children, they will account for little.
It is hugely encouraging to see a change in mind-set of the Government, which increasingly sees consultation with children as the norm and where the best interests of the child echo throughout more and more public policies.
However, the frustration of non- governmental organisations in Geneva, as Mr Lenihan and his officials listed the numerous structural and administrative reforms, was palpable.
They are the ones, more often than not, dealing with the grim reality of vulnerable children who are falling through the cracks of a society where lip-service is regularly paid to their rights and entitlements.
Amending the Constitution to include express recognition of children's rights would be a step which, campaigners and the UN say, would improve the voice of children in areas such as child welfare and protection, consent to medical treatment, adoption and admission to psychiatric hospitals.
Mr Lenihan appears committed. And he has signalled that the Taoiseach is as well.
But will the Government dare interfere in the carefully stage-managed run-in to next year's election by using the opportunity of polling day to hold a referendum on children's rights on the same day?
Time will tell.
UN officials at Wednesday's meeting are an experienced group of experts in the area of children's rights. They are likely to welcome talk of structural reform and policy changes, but unlikely to be impressed when there is little evidence of change on the ground.
Until there is real political leadership at the highest level of the Government and genuine reform on the ground, the gap between rights and rhetoric will remain a gaping chasm.