Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Bacik for her question. Obviously, child poverty is an enormous issue in this country and an enormous one that the Government wishes to respond to. The Deputy will have heard the Taoiseach, and indeed the Tánaiste, say that child poverty will be at the centre of the budget that is forthcoming and will be announced two weeks from now. I can understand why the Deputy wishes me to give information in respect of the budget that is forthcoming in two weeks. I cannot do that. We are just going to have to wait to realise what the content is when it is announced. However, the Deputy can be sure – the Government will be adamant about this – that tackling child poverty is a central aim.

The Deputy talks about the impact the housing crisis is having on children. We are fully aware of that. The Deputy is not the only one aware of the impact it is having on children and families. Although she displays great empathy, I have not heard any practical solutions from her on how we can improve-----

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