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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 to 20, inclusive, together.

In December, I announced my intention to set up a child poverty unit in the Department of the Taoiseach. I am happy to confirm that the child poverty and well-being programme office is now fully operational and on 1 August, published its initial work programme for the next two and a half years, From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025.

The initial programme focuses on six areas that will have the greatest effect on the lives of children who experience poverty. These are: income supports and joblessness; early learning and childcare; reducing the cost of education; family homelessness; consolidating and integrating family and parental support, health and well-being; and enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by disadvantage. The six areas were identified through extensive consultation with other Departments and Government agencies and representatives from relevant NGOs.

Importantly, the themes were also informed by information on what is important to children gathered through the established Government child participation structures.

As outlined in the plan, the role of the child poverty and well-being programme office is to drive implementation of a broad range of commitments. The office will also undertake a small number of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of cross-government responses to child poverty. This includes putting a specific focus on child poverty at budget time. The annual budget is a critical moment in which the Government articulates its ambitions and plans for the coming year.

Given the Government’s commitment to reducing child poverty and improving child well-being, I know that my other Cabinet colleagues are also looking at what can be achieved in budget 2024.

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