Child-protection role for UCC law lecturer
The Government has appointed UCC law lecturer Dr Aisling Parkes as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection for a two-year term until 19 May 2028.
The post involves examining and reporting to Government on legal, legislative, and litigation-related child-protection issues.
Dr Parkes has over 20 years’ experience in informing policy and legal developments in the areas of child and family law, children’s rights, child protection, and international human-rights law.
She was appointed after an open competition run by Public Jobs and succeeds Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC.
‘Lived experiences’
“I look forward to working independently but constructively with relevant stakeholders to examine legal developments in child protection, with a particular focus on ensuring that the perspectives, rights, and lived experiences of children and young people inform recommendations for reform,” Dr Parkes said.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said that the UCC academic and researcher brought “a depth of relevant experience” to the role.
The Special Rapporteur is required to prepare one annual report for each year of the two-year term, examining the impact on child protection, if any, of relevant national and international legal and legislative developments during the previous year.
She may also be asked to prepare at least one thematic report over the course of the two-year term.