Over 200 Children Have Died In State Care (With Peadar Tóibín)

In this episode of the Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Peadar Tóibín, leader of the Aontú party, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Irish care system, particularly its failings in protecting the country’s most vulnerable children. The conversation begins with a deep dive into alarming findings from Freedom of Information documents, revealing the state’s struggling child care system, including shocking statistics about the number of children referred to TUSLA, the Irish Child and Family Agency, and the rising concerns over unregulated emergency accommodations.

Peadar highlights the harrowing truth that over 200 children known to state services have died in the last decade, some through tragic circumstances like murder, suicide, and drug overdoses. He sheds light on the grim reality of children going missing from state care, some falling prey to sexual exploitation by organized gangs. The discussion also covers the failures of the government, particularly the Green Party, in addressing these critical issues, with Peadar calling for the resignation of the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, due to his perceived lack of interest and action in resolving these grave matters.

The episode also touches on broader societal issues, including the impact of COVID-19 on family dynamics and the rise of referrals to TUSLA, as well as the ongoing debates around gender ideology within the health service, where Peadar criticizes the HSE’s (Health Service Executive) policies on gender identity, arguing that they undermine the essential focus on women’s health.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in child welfare, government accountability, and the intersection of politics and social issues in Ireland. Peadar Tóibín’s insights provide a sobering look at the current state of affairs and the urgent need for reform.