Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Poverty Levels.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

326 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the initiatives he will take to deal with child poverty here; his assessment of the problem currently; and the extent of child poverty nationwide. [17993/00]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

327 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will outline the children here at risk of child poverty; his views on the figures recently outlined by a group of voluntary agencies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.

The latest ESRI figures from the living in Ireland survey show that the percentage of children experiencing consistent poverty fell from 18-23% in 1994 to 15-17% in 1997, while the numbers living in households below the 50% relative income line fell from 29% in 1994 to 24% in 1997. While figures from the living in Ireland survey in respect of 1998 are expected to be available from the ESRI shortly, it should be noted that much of the data available on child poverty in Ireland relates to the early to mid-1990s and the rate of child poverty has fallen in the late 1990s, as recognised in the Combat Poverty Agency's submission to the National Children's Strategy. For example, while the Combat Poverty Agency submission stated that in 1994, Ireland had the highest share of children, under 16, in households below half average income at 30%, substantially ahead of the EU average of 19%, increases in employment in recent years have had a significant impact on this figure. Having said that, this Government recognises that much still needs to be done.

The PPF provides an opportunity to progress a number of policies in relation to the needs of children. Under the terms of framework III of the programme, new targets will be considered in consultation with the social partners under the National Anti-poverty Strategy framework, including child poverty. The programme also provides for the strengthening of child protection services.

This Government shares the view that child benefit represents a key instrument for tackling child poverty. As a universal payment, which is not taxable and is not assessed as means for other secondary benefits, it does not act as a disincentive to taking up employment or to improving wages.

The 2000 budget provides for substantial improvements in the monthly rates of child benefit, resulting in a full year increase of some £106 million, bringing the total provision in 2000 to a record £504.6 million. In addition, the PPF contains a commitment to substantially increase child benefit over the lifetime of the programme, with a priority focus towards £100 per month for the third and subsequent children. From September, the basic child benefit monthly rates will have risen to £42.50 in respect of each of the first two children and £56 in respect of the third and subsequent children. The PPF also provides for the establishment a working group on the benchmarking and indexation of adult and child social welfare rates and this group is due to be established shortly.

The best way out of poverty, for both adults and children, is employment. It is Government policy to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to participate fully in society and work is the key to achieving this objective for those who can work. The unemployment rate is now well below the EU average and the live register has fallen by over 93,000 since we took up office in June 1997.

Long-term unemployment has fallen more rapidly than the live register as a whole and employment opportunities have increased. Measures such as the family income supplement have helped encourage parents back into the workforce.

On a more general note, all policy proposals across Government Departments are poverty proofed to ensure that the needs of children, among other target groups, are kept to the fore in the design of policy.