Child health

A total of four submissions made recommendations relating to child health (IHF, SCNN, TUI, SPMHS). The IHF recommended cooperation between the DCEDIY and DoH in developing and drafting the proposed Public Health Obesity Bill in order to ensure that the rights of children are represented. They suggested that the Bill should form part of a comprehensive suite of measures to reduce obesity among children. The IHF also called for the Department to work to implement a ban on the advertising of e-cigarettes, including “including online, outdoor areas (billboards, buses) and at point of sale”, as well as a ban on the sale of flavours that are enticing to children.

The SCNN recommended integrating health, education and social care policy in order to promote a unified approach to child health issues, and to include representation from children’s health organisations and children themselves in discussions related to children’s health wherever possible. SCNN also called for increased parenting supports to promote a preventative approach to children’s health and wellbeing, particularly for families in marginalised groups. SCNN stressed the importance of implementing the National Model of Care for Paediatric Health Care Services, in alignment with Sláintecare, and called for the DCEDIY to support the need to strengthen the transition process from child to adult health services.

SPMHS, SCNN and TUI made recommendations related to the mental health of children, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. SPMHS suggested that due consideration be given to the key recommendations in ENOC’s Position Statement on “Child Mental Health in Europe”. TUI recommended increased investment in CAMHS, NEPs, school pastoral support systems and community mental health services, and called for the Department to exert pressure on other Government Departments and agencies to increase funding. TUI also recommended increasing investment in speech and language, as well as occupational therapy services for children.