Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 to 23, inclusive, together.

Our vision is to make Ireland the best country in Europe in which to be a child. The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to pull things together and co-ordinate Government action so that it is targeted. Poverty restricts a child's opportunities. The new unit will build on what has been achieved by Government and place a greater focus on improving the lives of all children in Ireland. The aim is to have the unit established by the end of March and preparatory work is under way.

As a first step, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and I met with representatives from the Children's Rights Alliance to discuss the development of the new child poverty and well-being unit. Further work and engagement is ongoing to inform the scope and programme of work for the unit. The aim is to ensure the unit brings co-ordination as well as strategic leadership and enhanced accountability to the child poverty agenda and makes a tangible difference to the lives of children and families.

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