Mr. Niall Egan:

When we were looking at the child poverty target, we were looking at different jurisdictions and what they did. There is not a single answer here. We looked at the Scottish example. They have an approach that is very good but which we do not think would work as well in an Irish context.

On poverty levels in Ireland specifically, Ireland is probably about sixth in the EU, but that is the poverty level so I would have to come back to the Cathaoirleach specifically about child poverty levels. We are operating above the EU average in good performance and it has been improving. Last year we were seventh in EU. In the latest statistics that were published based on the Eurostat for 2024 we were sixth. I will have to revert specifically in relation to child poverty.

As part of the child poverty target we did a public consultation and we asked people a range of questions on a range of measures we were looking at. We took on board a lot of the comments and suggestions on how to measure it and the range. Responses we received included trying to eliminate child poverty, but unfortunately that is not possible in the way it is measured. It is relative to income so you will never be able to eliminate it based on a measurement, but as our Minister said and as I alluded to in my opening statement, it is not acceptable to have any child in child poverty. It is a guiding light and a priority for the Government. I will revert in relation to child poverty statistics from an EU perspective.