Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. I also congratulate her and wish her well in her new portfolio. I also wish my former city council colleague, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, all the best and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of State. It is a great day for his family and all his friends and I wish him well in the future. To be honest, I know he will have a good feel for social welfare.

It is very important that we keep our eye on the ball in dealing with children living in poverty. It is necessary to intervene early and to give support to families. I welcome what the Minister said about family income supplement. It is a key part of the strategy. If we want children to develop, we must target those in poverty. I urge the Minister to make the issue a major priority in the next two years.

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