Labour calls for urgent action on child poverty
Labour’s General Election Candidate in Cork South Central, Councillor Laura Harmon today slammed government inaction to tackle the shocking levels of child poverty across Ireland.
Councillor Laura Harmon said:
“Nearly 60,000 children in Ireland are living in consistent poverty, and one in five children face enforced deprivation. In a country as wealthy as Ireland, this is simply unacceptable. The current Government has failed to make any meaningful progress on child poverty, despite years of promises and empty words at the beginning of their term.
“Knocking on doors in Togher, Ballyphehane, Blackrock, Mahon and across Cork South Central I’m hearing from families struggling to keep up with rising living costs.
“In Labour’s Alternative Budget for 2025, we put forward real, concrete solutions. We called for an increase to the qualified child payment and child benefit—direct supports that would make an immediate difference to families struggling to make ends meet. These aren’t just policy ideas; they are necessary steps to fundamentally address child poverty.
“Having even one child living in poverty should be a national scandal, yet tens of thousands are living it on a daily basis. Labour’s vision goes beyond temporary fixes. We want to establish a dedicated Departmental team, focused solely on eliminating child poverty. This Labour team’s mission would be clear: to produce a roadmap that outlines how Ireland can become a country where no child lives in poverty.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil claim to prioritise children’s well-being, yet under their watch, child poverty levels remain and we have 4,000 children homeless. We need a new approach, and Labour’s vision is focused on long-term change. As part of our budget plan, Labour would also increase investments in education, housing, and health services, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Children deserve access to the basics: education, shelter, and equal opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
“The next government must take a stand and put children at the centre of policy. Prioritising child well-being isn’t just a moral obligation, it’s a societal necessity. Ireland is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. There is no excuse for inaction.”