Ethical review and childrens research in Ireland

Abstract

Report

A substantial increase in research into the lives of children has been experienced in Ireland over the last few years. This increase is not only in the amount of research undertaken but also in the multi-disciplinary range of such research. Compared to requirements in research with adult research participants, research with children faces additional ethical challenges. These challenges are related especially to children s decision-making capacity, their vulnerability and the particular role of parents or guardians in the research process. The strong demand for protecting children from harm needs to be balanced with the equally urgent need for well-founded research findings that can help improve services for children. This review discusses the current situation of research ethics committees and research ethics review of childrens research in Ireland, drawing on views of relevant stakeholders, including REC chairs, REC administrators, REC members, researchers, parents and children. (Data collection in 2007-2008)

Department of Health & Children