John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree that it is undeliverable. The Minister agrees and acknowledges that we need the figures, yet he says the Department's hands are tied because the CSO delivers the figures which are already two years out of date. We know about the impact and the reality behind all of the statistics. Deputy Willie O'Dea is right. We know about the impact on families and young people, in particular, living in emergency accommodation.

We know the impact the cuts to child benefit have had on families and children. From the annual reports from organisations such as Barnardos and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul we know the impact that the failure to restore the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance is having on families, particularly on children.

It is irrational to expect us to make assessments going into a budget based on figures that are two years old. There is no legislative obligation on the CSO or on any of the other bodies that compile these statistics to present them before the Oireachtas. The amendment would create a legal obligation to have this report carried out. I do not care if it is done by the CSO or another organisation. We need a report showing the latest figures for child poverty so that we can have an informed debate on those figures and make rational decisions in budgets.

It is grand for Deputy O'Dea to come in here and say that we need the figures. However, there is an amendment before the House. That is the template. The roadmap for getting those figures is tying it into legislation. If the Minister is not willing to accept the amendment, I will press it to a vote. Deputy O'Dea has the roadmap here to deliver those figures. I will press the amendment to a vote and I ask Fianna Fáil Members to support it. They are sitting on the fence as they did with the report on lone parents. Fianna Fáil tabled an amendment looking for a report within three months and then sat on the fence when the Minister talked about delivering that report on lone parents in nine months. Sitting on the fence is not good enough. We have the roadmap to deliver the statistics so that we can make informed decisions and have an informed debate on the matter. If the Minister is not willing to take the amendment on board, I will press it.

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