Groups representing parents of people with mental handicap are to form a new alliance to press for improved services.

Ms Dillon was speaking on radio yesterday as the chairwoman of the New Crumlin Hospital Group, representing parents of sick children.

AN officially regulated contact system for all future adoptions is called for in a report published today by a group representing parents and professionals.

Many groups representing parents, principals, teachers and schools expressed fears in recent months that the new approach was a cover for cuts to supports.

The group representing parents in Catholic schools says the Department of Education has consistently failed to address the issue of under performing teachers .

The group representing parents of secondary-school pupils is in crisis after a report - now with the Department of Education - severely criticised its operations.

Lawyers from the centre have acted in numerous high-profile cases, most recently representing parents whose children were taken ill due to milk tainted with melamine.