Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures taken to tackle the rise of child poverty as outlined in the report of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (details supplied). [7744/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 (BOBF),which was published and launched by Government in 2014, provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people. As provided for in the Framework, the Department of Social Protection is the lead department on child poverty and has lead responsibility for the commitment to lift over 70,000 children out of consistent poverty by 2020, a reduction of at least two-thirds on the 2011 level. The Department of Social Protection also has lead responsibility for the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The outcomes of the recent European Commission/ Departmental of Social Protection / Department of Children and Youth Affairs national seminar will inform the development of an implementation plan for tackling child poverty.

My Department is working on a number of initiatives which are relevant in addressing issues related to children poverty. My Department is leading the implementation of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme (2013-2016). The ABC Programme is being co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services.

My Department is spending €260 million annually on childcare support programmes which provide childcare to 100,000 children. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on lowest incomes. We know from experience of other countries that investment in quality early childhood care and education is important in breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty.

I have established an Inter-departmental Group to look at the provision right across the 0 to 6 age group as well as to consider the after-school needs of older school-going children. The Group’s work involves, inter alia, identifying policy objectives to guide investment in contributing towards improvements in social inclusion and poverty reduction. It is crucial that we develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare services.I have asked that this work be carried out within a relatively short time frame and I expect that the Group will be in a position to report me in the Summer.

My Department also provides targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, and Local Drugs Task Force projects. In addition, some 31 national and major regional youth work organisations are supported under my Department's Youth Service Grant Scheme. Other grant schemes include the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. In 2015, current funding of €49.93m will be provided to my Department for these schemes.