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DkIT Host 1st Conference of the All-Island Restraint Reduction Network

03 November 2022

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) were proud to recently host the 1st conference of the All-Island Restraint Reduction Network on campus. The All-Island Restraint Reduction Network (AIRRN) is a newly formed cross border organisation bringing together experts in restraint reduction across sector and experience. The Network’s ambition is to establish restraint-free care, support, and to make a real difference in the lives of children and adults, particularly those in vulnerable situations.



The AIRRN Conference 2022 presented a variety of keynotes with roundtable discussions which explored the work that is being done, and still needs to be done to tackle the use of restraint and seclusion in educational settings. The event facilitated discussions and share of good practice, whilst considering how to champion the rights of children and young adults in specified settings, with the view on how to work cooperatively to eliminate the use of unnecessary restrictive practice.

The Institute were particularly delighted to welcome Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children and Koulla Yiasouma, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People to this inaugural conference.

Dr Myles Hackett, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years, DkIT said:

‘We were delighted to host the inaugural conference of the All-Island Restraint Reduction Network on campus which brought together experts from all over Ireland. So much work has been done in the last few years to highlight the changes we need to make collectively in this area, and it was extremely advantageous to have the wisdom of Dr Niall Muldoon and Koulla Yiasouma who added a wealth and depth of knowledge to our discussions and understanding. The life stories shared with the conference by parents were very powerful and reinforced the Network’s commitment to restraint reduction and elimination of misuse of restrictive practices.     I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank The All-Ireland Restraint Reduction Network, Inclusion Ireland, Harrys Law Campaign and my colleagues Dr Kevin McKenna and Dr Aoife Watters in DkIT for organising and supporting this highly informative event’

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