Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is aware of the ESRI's recent findings from their report on 'Poverty, Income Inequality and Living Standards in Ireland' that almost one in five children are at risk of poverty after housing costs; if he is aware of the ESRI's recent finding that almost half of lone parent families are at risk of poverty after housing costs; if he has any plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50386/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The ESRI's report 'Poverty, Income Inequality and Living Standards in Ireland' is an important contribution to inform Government on how to support families in need.

The increases in child consistent poverty rates, as reported in March 2025 by the Central Statistics Office in its Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2025, are disappointing.

It is also important to recognise that the CSO data is based on data collected in 2023 and therefore does not reflect the Government’s full response to the cost of living in recent years.

Overall, the last two Budgets each contained the largest social welfare packages in the history of the State and included significant increases to core social welfare rates. These measures have not yet been included in the latest CSO data, nor has the Government's significant investment in non-income supports for families during this time, such as Hot School Meals and free schoolbooks.

However, the Government also recognises that more remains to be done in reducing child poverty and we are determined to make an impact during the lifetime of this Government.

For Budget 2026, we have emphasised the importance of directing support to families with children where it is most needed. We know, based on research, that increases in the Child Support Payment and the Working Family Payment are highly effective in tackling child poverty. These payments provide targeted assistance directly linked to household income and are paid in addition to the universal Child Benefit.

I recognise that poverty rates amongst lone parents are significantly higher than the population average. In order to make meaningful reductions in child poverty, we need to ensure we are providing targeted support to this vulnerable group. The Government is considering a range of targeted measures in Budget 2026 to reduce child poverty.