Vol. 569 No. 5
52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in relation to the commitment to ensure that the number of children living in consistent poverty is reduced in line with the NAPS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17908/03]
The revised National Anti-Poverty Strategy sets out a series of targets in relation to children and young people. The overall objective, in line with the National Children's Strategy, is to eliminate child poverty and to move to a situation of greater equality for all children in terms of access to appropriate education, health and housing. It aims specifically to reduce the number of children who are consistently poor to below 2% by 2007 and to reduce the gap in low birth weight rates between children from the lowest and highest socio-economic group by 10% from the 2002 level by 2007.
A key element in reducing the numbers of children in consistent poverty is through supporting and facilitating their parents in obtaining and maintaining employment. A number of policies are geared towards this objective – for example, child care provision and the earnings disregard for receipt of the one parent family payment.
In addition, the NAPS sets a target that the basic level of child income support be set at 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare rate by 2007. The target in respect of the lowest rates of social welfare is to achieve a rate of €150 per week, in 2002 terms, to be met by 2007. Among the special initiatives to be undertaken during the period of the social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, is one dealing with ending child poverty. This initiative will be led by the office for social inclusion in my Department and is being developed at present.
In tandem with the social partners, key Departments, the National Children's Office, the Combat Poverty Agency and other relevant bodies, the initiative will pursue a number of objectives identified in Sustaining Progress. These objectives include: better medical and health services within the community for young children and their parents; priority to early education and child care facilities for disadvantaged families; ensuring every child obtains a threshold of numeracy and literacy; accelerated provision of play environments for local communities; wider availability of parenting support services for families at risk; and maximising the efficacy of child income support arrangements.
The Government recognises the importance of supporting and protecting families and is fully committed to achieving objectives and targets in the NAPS and in Sustaining Progress.
