Children are 'frustrated and disappointed' at the country's health services, particularly around mental health.

That's according to the Ombudsman for Children, who has submitted two reports to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

They've been submitted as part of international monitoring, with the UN examining Ireland's progress in delivering on its obligations to children.

Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon said the reports highlight how the State continues to fall short.

"Children tell us that they are frustrated and disappointed with health services, particularly mental health services.

"They express their concerns about long waiting lists and inadequate services.

"They also talk about education, including the need for exam reform, the impact of bullying in schools and the supports they would like to see provided in schools to help them thrive.

"These children must be listened to."

'Mental health in schools'

He said the treatment of mental health issues in schools has become a growing problem in recent years.

"The impact on the mental health of the education system and lack of supports, that's something that's really very, very strongly come through from the children and from our own report.

"The need for mental health supports within a school and education setting, and the impact of schooling on children's mental health".

He said more issues of concern are emerging for young children.

"Children were also very clear, and we highlight as well in our report, the lack of equality in their sense that there was a lot of discrimination within schools and a lack of fairness for a lot of children.

"Inclusiveness wasn't necessarily clear to them.

"They'd also highlight discrimination in relation to racism and sexism, and a lack of support that way"

However, Dr Muldoon said the upcoming budget could be a turning point.

"Budget 2023 is an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to children by signalling that it will child proof budgetary measures and by introducing specific budget lines that ring-fence funding for children.

"For example, a specific budget for children's mental health services.

"Multi-annual budgets should also be introduced for children with disabilities to properly plan for their predicted needs", he added.