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Ireland

We manage external relations with stakeholders and policymakers including the Northern Ireland Executive and organisations with an interest in child health. Our friendly team is here to make sure members across Ireland have a voice.
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Policy and public affairs

Our team works with paediatricians in Northern Ireland and our Ireland Executive Committee. We provide the government and third sector with up-to-date guidance and we push for policy change to improve the health of children and young people.
About us and our policy work
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Officer and other contacts

The Officer for Ireland role is currently vacant. Dr Rory Sweeney is the Deputy Officer for Ireland. These roles represent members in both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at RCPCH Council.
About and contacts
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Ireland Committee

This committee allows paediatricians to act as advocates for the College in relation to media, public affairs and health policy work. It offers input and advice on member-focused activity such as courses and events.
About committee
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Worried and waiting: A review of paediatric waiting times in Northern Ireland 2024

There is a large and growing number of children on paediatric outpatient waiting lists. Published in April 2024, our report makes policy recommendations to help ensure children receive care in a timely manner and within the right service.
Worried and waiting report
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Equal protection from assault

In Northern Ireland (and England), children are the only group of people not fully protected in law from physical assault. In April 2024, we outlined our recommendations for Government policymakers on removing the 'reasonable punishment defence’ from law and the appropriate next steps.
Equal protection report
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#ChoosePaediatrics in NI!

Can you help us promote our wonderful specialty to medical students and foundation doctors in NI? Download our careers booklet and posters, grab templates for social media posts and read tips on how to run an online careers event.

Resources to promote paediatrics
Guides for medical students and FY doctors
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Contacting us

If you have questions or comments about our policy and public affairs work, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected] or call 028 9693 6901 or 028 9693 6902. Send any post to Northern Ireland Office, RCPCH, 5-11 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8SH.

Other staff teams at RCPCH can help with any questions about membership, exams or training.

Email RCPCH Ireland at [email protected]
Contacts for other RCPCH teams

Useful resources for RCPCH Ireland members

Ulster Paediatric Society
Irish Paediatric Association
Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency
Department of Health Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People

Latest news relating to Ireland

More news
Professor Steve Turner, RCPCH President
Blog
3 February 2025

A busy week in the child health world - President's update

Steve covers lots of topics this week, including applications to ST1, mental health services and data from the new RSV vaccine. He also introduces our Air Pollution Companion and shares recent policy work from the devolved nations.
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Announcement
31 December 2024

New Year Honours 2025

The New Year Honours list has been announced celebrating contributions to those supporting child health and patient safety across the country. 

Latest resources and volunteering opportunities for Ireland

Volunteering opportunity

Trainee Committee Chair - volunteer opportunity

The Chair of the Trainee Committee is a Senior Officer of the College, and a member of both the College's Council and Executive Committee. The role is a vital part of the work of the College, representing trainee views on issues of service and training along with the wider work of the College.
Resource

Rota gaps survey findings 2024

According to our UK-wide survey of College members, paediatric services in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are facing rota gaps of over 20%, with Wales services at 11.3%. Tier 2 rotas were generally more impacted than Tier 1 and combined general/neonatal services had the highest gaps. Less th...