Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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62. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she will take to eliminate child poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43754/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The reduction of children's poverty is a key political priority for the Government. The Taoiseach has described tackling child poverty as a moral imperative, and this is an issue that we must address robustly.

In recognition of the higher risks and life-long consequences of child poverty, the Government set a child-specific poverty target in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020 to reduce consistent child poverty by at least two-thirds by 2020.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has the lead role in coordinating government strategies on child poverty. It also has lead responsibility for the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion and has identified child poverty as a key cross-sectoral priority to be addressed. My Department is working closely with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in informing the development of this cross-sectoral priority.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has co-convened a subgroup with members of the Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures to progress solutions to child poverty. The Advisory Council is continuing its work in relation to child poverty and this will extend into 2018 and beyond. Led by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, this subgroup has developed a paper which outlines a whole of government approach to tackling child poverty. Key priorities arising from this include providing universal access to GP care for under 18s, reducing the cost of education, housing, affordable childcare, labour activation and provision of in-work benefits.

Budget 2018 represents another significant step in ensuring access to high quality, affordable early years care and education with an extra €20 million being provided to support a range of childcare measures. These measures are aimed at those on low incomes, helping families to overcome disadvantage and to help contribute to a reduction in child poverty.

I and my colleagues in Cabinet are committed to advancing efforts and actions in our collective response to this important issue.