Children are being failed by the government’s inability to tackle inter-generational poverty, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said:
“The latest Child Poverty Monitor report published by the Children’s Rights Alliance is deeply concerning. It confirms that the number of children in consistent poverty in Ireland almost doubled to 102,977 in 2024 – a staggering rise of 45,107 on the previous year.
“Figures from the Central Statistics Office also show that over a quarter of a million children experienced enforced deprivation last year. This means they were living in a household that couldn’t afford basic goods and services deemed to be the bare minimum for a decent standard of living – such as a warm coat or a new pair of shoes.
“When you consider there are now almost 5,000 children living in homeless emergency accommodation, it paints a bleak picture of growing up in modern-day Ireland.
“Child poverty is not inevitable. Poor policymaking by successive governments is what has allowed structural inequality, poverty and deprivation to exist.
“In a wealthy country like ours, there is simply no excuse for children to be living in consistent poverty. In recent years, we have seen the roll-out universal schemes in healthcare, childcare and education – but FF/FG governments have failed to target vulnerable households that need the most supports.
“Despite the shameful child poverty figures published today, I have no faith that this government will treat this report with the urgency it deserves.”
June 10, 2025