Children's Committee to discuss child poverty and early intervention supports to children and families post pandemic

Session 1: Representatives from the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, Mr Francis Chance, Chairperson and Dr Maria O’Dwyer, National Co-Ordinator.

Session 2: Child Poverty Representatives from Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan CEO, Mike Allen, Director of Advocacy, Research and Communications and Kelly Anne-Byrne , Ambassador.

Representatives from Barnardos, Suzanna Connolly, Chief Executive and Stephen Moffatt, National Policy Manager.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion TD said:

“Today we will hear from stakeholders with vast expertise on the issue of strengthening prevention and early intervention supports to children and families and on child poverty.”

“Children and young people have been at the sharp end of the pandemic due to school closures some may have missed out on early intervention due to repeated lockdowns. The benefits of prioritising early intervention are well documented for children and wider society and it important that we prioritise vulnerable children and focus on prevention and early intervention strategies rather than costly interventions.”

The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas.ie.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.