Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister accept that addressing child poverty is a cross-departmental responsibility? Will he also accept that children living in poverty are statistically more likely to become adults living in poverty and will rear their children in poverty, thus continuing the inter-generational cycle of disadvantage and marginalisation? If we do not address the issue comprehensively and across all Departments, many children will continue that cycle.

The Minister has indicated his intentions and the steps taken by his Department. He also cited the Department of Social Protection. How can we accept these intentions against the backdrop of severe cuts in family incomes and supports, including child benefit? How can we accept them when we see the failure to address the outrageous reality in primary schools where the pupil-teacher ratio is a scandal? How can we accept them when the most unwell children have been left without medical card cover and, as a consequence, without key supports? There is the example in his Department of so many children, to the point of thousands, being categorised as being at risk and yet who do not have designated social workers. It is not just about money in pockets, although that is hugely important, there are many other ways through which child poverty must be addressed. Will the Minister ensure there will be a cross-departmental approach in addressing this major issue for all of us?

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