Time for urgent action to tackle child poverty
Time for urgent action to tackle child poverty - The Labour Party
- More than 100,000 children in consistent poverty
Labour’s Social Protection and Children Spokesperson Mark Wall TD has called for urgent action following the publication of the Children’s Rights Alliance Child Poverty Monitor 2025, which reveals a shocking 78% increase in the number of children living in consistent poverty in Ireland – rising to over 100,000 children in just one year. Deputy Wall said this should sound alarm bells across Government and warned that the current response is wholly inadequate. He said the Government must urgently expand the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office in the Department of An Taoiseach and deliver the political direction and resources needed to end the cycle of poverty.
Deputy Wall said:
“We were promised a Government that would “tackle child poverty head-on”. Today’s report shows we got the opposite. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, more than 100,000 children are now living in consistent poverty – that’s a national scandal.
“Labour has repeatedly called for a children’s budget to ensure a fair start for every child. Instead, we get budgets for landlords, higher earners and a handful of homeowners. Children have once again been left behind.
“We urgently need a step-change in how we respond to this crisis. Government must expand the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office so that it is properly resourced and empowered to drive real change.
“We know what works. Labour has called for the introduction of a new, targeted second rate of child benefit – a measure backed by the ESRI and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare. It would drastically reduce child poverty if implemented properly. We have also called for a public childcare scheme. Parents need affordable, accessible childcare.
“This is about more than statistics. Behind these numbers are children going to school hungry, families unable to heat their homes, and long-term damage being done to young people’s health and life chances. If we are serious about vindicating the rights of children, then we must stop talking and start delivering.
“Labour is calling on Government to act without delay. The Programme Office must be expanded and resourced, the targeted second rate of child benefit must be introduced, and a dedicated children’s budget must be at the centre of the next Budget. The time for tinkering around the edges is over – child poverty must be tackled head-on.”