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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

Dr Thomas Bourke is the RCPCH Officer for Ireland and 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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On paediatric waiting times

There is a large and growing number of children on paediatric outpatient waiting lists. Our 'Worried and waiting' report in April 2024 made policy recommendations to ensure children receive care in a timely manner and within the right service.
Worried and waiting report
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On 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.
Equal protection report
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On collaborative healthcare

From 2020 to 2023, the waiting list for outpatient community paediatrics in NI had an 85.9% rise. We submitted FOIs and surveyed members to get a better understanding of the pressures, and set recommendations to the Government.
Collaborative healthcare 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 enquiries.ireland@rcpch.ac.uk 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 enquiries-ireland@rcpch.ac.uk
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
RCPCH consultation responses

Latest news relating to Ireland

More news
Photo: Steve Turner at a conference, in a library lined with books, with a presenter at front and seated delegates
President's update
10 March 2026

Be curious about school attendance - President's update

Understanding and addressing school attendance is fast becoming a priority for our members and wider society, and Steve introduces our new position statement with both evidence and practical advice for paediatricians. He also shares updates on our assessment review and policy work across the UK.
Young girl getting her heart checked with a stethoscope
Blog
6 March 2026

Reviewing the programme of assessment within Progress+: an update

Our assessment review is progressing and we'll soon launch a consultation, which will inform our submission to the General Medical Council. The views and experiences of members, including doctors in training and trainers, and of children and young people are vital, of course, and Cathryn Chadwick ma...
Professor Steve Turner, RCPCH President
President's update
23 February 2026

Shining a light on child health progress - President's update

In this edition, Steve shares important policy wins, workforce and service priorities, and new resources for members alongside opportunities to get involved and amplify your voice for children and young people.