Written Answers. - Anti-Poverty Strategy.
527.
Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has proposals to assist the 90,000 children living in poverty. [23296/03]
Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan): The Government's commitment to tackling child poverty and to building on the progress achieved in this area in recent years is reflected in the revised national anti-poverty strategy, Building an Inclusive Society, and in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion. A key target of the strategy is to reduce the numbers of children who are consistently poor to below 2% by 2007 and, if possible, eliminate consistent poverty for children.
I understand that the figures quoted by the Deputy are drawn from a recently published report, and are based on 2000 data when the level of consistent poverty amongst children was 8%. It is worth noting that the latest data, for 2001, indicates that the level of consistent poverty amongst children has continued to fall and is now at 6.5% – around 74,000 children.
Tackling child poverty requires a multi-faceted response which includes not only income support, but also covers such areas as access to pre-schooling, education, health, housing, and a safe and stimulating physical environment.
Ending child poverty was identified in Sustaining Progress as one of the special initiatives to be progressed over the lifetime of the agreement. My Department, through the Office for Social Inclusion, has the lead responsibility for progressing this initiative and will be working closely with the relevant Departments, agencies and the social partners in this regard.