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	The incoming Children&#39;s Ombudsman has said every child in Ireland deserves the same protection, regardless of their status.</p>
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	Speaking on RT&Eacute;&#39;s Morning Ireland, Dr Niall Muldoon said protecting children in the direct provision system will be one of his top priorities when he assumes office.</p>
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	The Oireachtas approved the appointment of the Dr Muldoon yesterday and he will receive his seal of office from the President next week.</p>
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	Dr Muldoon, who will succeed Emily Logan as Ombudsman, said there are more than 1,200 children in the Direct Provision system who have been clearly discriminated against.</p>
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	He said there is an opportunity now to deal with it because there is a working group looking at the overall protection issue.</p>
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	Dr Muldoon said he was also concerned about the continued detention of young people in inappropriate detention facilities.</p>
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	On the issue of the Children and Family Relationships Bill, he said it was unfortunate that the bill wasn&#39;t completed and put through the Oireachtas earlier.</p>
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	Dr Muldoon said had that happened the bill would not have gotten confused with the upcoming referendum on same sex marriage.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0213/679874-ombudsman/">http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0213/679874-ombudsman/</a></p>
