Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the courage shown by the Social Democrats in bringing forward this motion on childhood poverty. I agree 100% with the motion in that child poverty is a criticism of the Government. What does poverty do to children? It takes away their childhood that they do not understand is missing. It can impair their education, health and well-being. Child poverty rates in Ireland doubled during the last recession. One in five children is currently at risk of poverty. Who knows what figures Covid will bring? According to the Central Statistics Office survey on income and living conditions published in 2019, more than 200,000 Irish children are living in poverty. The survey indicated that 689,000 people, including 202,000 children, are living under the poverty line. There are 36,000 more people living in poverty compared with the number a decade ago. It is worth mentioning that the number of people aged 65 or over living in poverty has risen staggeringly since the previous report in 2008, from 20,000 to 78,000. I strongly support the motion on child poverty. The Government must recognise that children and the elderly are the most vulnerable people in society. We need to look after the well-being of children and others around the country. The Government should do the right thing. I support the motion 100%.

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