Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth to discuss child poverty

Representatives from the Children’s Rights Alliance, Early Childhood Ireland and Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids (SPARK) are due to address the meeting. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion said: “UN World Children’s Day took place last Friday (November 19th) so the Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss child poverty with stakeholders. The past 18 months have been very difficult on everyone but there is no doubt those living in poverty have been particularly impacted. School closures may have hidden the extent to which children living in poverty have been impacted so we welcome the opportunity to hear how we can mitigate against harms caused by any potential lockdowns.” 

“Disadvantage and poverty are associated with social exclusion, educational under achievement and physical and mental health damage – it is crucial that we break the cycle and lift children out of poverty.” 

“We have learned from previous representatives who have addressed this Committee that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities. Child poverty rates doubled in the last recession so we must plan for the years ahead. The path out of the pandemic remains unclear so we welcome the opportunity to hear from representatives about the current issues they are encountering and that the voice of the child does not fall down the agenda.”

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.