Ms Michelle Murphy:

In terms of the SILC it is based on a percentage of the median income. Every year, the CSO produces research which shows the impact of housing costs. This year, it was more highlighted because it was part of the ESRI research. It does this for various household types. This year, children were highlighted by that research. Even if one takes just the general poverty rate, it is still more than 190,000 children, which is completely unacceptable. In terms of measurement, it shows the enormous social and economic impact that housing policy has. We can also see that impact in the calculation of the living wage.

Regarding child poverty generally, we welcome that it is an issue in advance of the budget and that the Taoiseach and the Minister have spoken about the second tier of child benefit, but that takes time to design.