Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
67. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the implementation plan for the EU Child Guarantee to be ready; if he will outline the objectives of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am happy to report that I brought the National Action Plan for the EU Child Guarantee to Government on 31st of May 2022. The Government has approved the Plan, which will be published on www.gov.ie in the coming days.
The National Action Plan sets out the responses to barriers identified by Departments, and informed by consultations with stakeholders, in the provision of services to children referred to in the EU Child Guarantee Recommendation.
The National Action Plan details efforts, in accordance with the aims of the EU Child Guarantee, to address child poverty and social exclusion in Ireland and, in so doing, highlights key strategies currently in play.
The key areas of the Plan refer to actions, objectives, targets and timelines - addressing some of the key barriers identified – in each of the sectors of Education, Early Years, Health, Nutrition and Housing. Furthermore, the successor framework to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures – the National Framework for Children and Young People, of which the EU Child Guarantee will form a constituent element – will provide the enabling policy framework for the Plan.
