Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

This area needs particular focus because when it comes to poverty, children are vulnerable. There is no doubt the best way out of poverty for a family is to have a job. The creation of jobs and the managing of the economy are the best supports we can give families. The support services we are offering throughout the country, the money that is going to the voluntary sector to support these families, is very important. Vital work is being done in parenting courses, support services and in the ECCE programme, in which we are investing €160 million. That is a huge support to the families the Deputy mentioned but clearly the financial situation has huge consequences for all families and we must be mindful of the vulnerability of young children and must try to intervene and support families as much as possible.

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