Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

No one could argue with the points being made in regard to child poverty. However, the progression of a second tier of income support is a complex issue. The National Economic and Social Council, NESC, and Dr. John Sweeney was unable to come up with a solution when it discussed the issue. What will support our thinking in this regard is the research being conducted in regard to family income supplement, FIS, in terms of low take-up and so on. As I indicated earlier, I intend to publish that research when I get it. This research will inform all of our debate on that matter.

Child poverty is an issue of concern to all of us. It was and is an issue of particular concern to Government. I accept the figures released yesterday show that children continue to be the age group most at risk of poverty. That is not to suggest 20% of children are living in poverty, rather, 20% are at risk of poverty. The consistent child poverty rate fell last year. Obviously, as more people will lose their jobs this year, more children will become dependent on social welfare and that figure will change again next year.

Deputy Lynch spoke about Angela's Ashes. It was probably the rain rather than the family situation that she did not like. One of the most exciting and interesting initiatives of my career was the development of the national children's strategy which gave children a voice for the first time. What was significant was how the children were able to look beyond the immediate, toys and so on, and to speak about their families in terms of their families being the most important people in their lives. They were able to articulate their feelings and so on. While there is a sensitivity there, I do not believe it is a sensitivity in terms of what is the biggest toy Santa can bring. Adults impose those values on children.

As an aside, I recently took my two nephews and niece to the new three-storey toy store in Ireland. While they were accompanied by their generous aunt, the two boys, despite the availability of every toy a child could want, chose a fire brigade and some lego, which are simple toys.

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