Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
136. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for a national strategy to tackle child poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56223/21]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection has lead policy responsibility for child poverty, and works in close collaboration with other relevant government departments on addressing this issue. The Department of Social Protection is currently looking at developing a new child poverty target under its Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 - 2025.
My Department is actively engaged in efforts in this regard, with child poverty previously identified as a priority area under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020.
More recently, my Department established a new EU and International Unit which, among other responsibilities, will lead on the coordination across Government of the necessary actions emerging from the EU Child Guarantee.
As you may be aware, the EU Child Guarantee provides Ireland with an opportunity to re-focus and, where necessary, re-evaluate our approach in tackling child poverty and promoting children’s well-being. The objective of the Guarantee is to prevent and combat social exclusion by guaranteeing access for children who are in need of a range of key services and as such forms a subset to the wider issues revolving around child poverty.
The Child Guarantee calls on Member States to guarantee for children in need, free access to early childhood education and care; education (including school-based activities); and healthcare; and to ensure effective access to healthy nutrition, a healthy meal each school day and adequate housing.
As part of the obligations for Ireland under the Child Guarantee, my Department is currently developing a National Action Plan for the Child Guarantee, in collaboration with a range of Government Departments. In addition, an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) is due to be convened shortly to assist in the drafting and finalisation of the plan.
The effective implementation of the Child Guarantee will involve the active input and participation of all key government departments and agencies. The experience of my Department in the effective implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures and its cross government and cross sectoral engagement will inform the implementation of the Child Guarantee National Action Plan to ensure it is collaborative, integrated and, ultimately, impactful.
My Department will continue to contribute to the wider response to child poverty through this Action Plan and the development and implementation of the successor framework to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, work in relation to which is now underway.
