We have reached a point in Irish society where the protection of children has been placed at the forefront of public concern.
Children’s rights have been constitutionally reinforced; stringent safeguards are now in place to protect children from sexual depredation; there is a more developed consciousness than ever before that children and adolescents both are vulnerable to the mental and emotional problems that formerly were perceived as being confined to the realm of adulthood.
Perhaps most importantly, the voice of the child is now heard and heeded to …