Labour slams Government opposition to child poverty motion
Labour slams Government opposition to child poverty motion - The Labour Party
Labour’s Social Protection Spokesperson Mark Wall TD has condemned Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s decision to oppose Labour’s motion on child poverty, which will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow. The motion calls on Government to take immediate action to address child poverty and child homelessness, including a ban on evictions when children are involved.
Deputy Wall said:
“Child poverty has reached crisis levels in Ireland. ESRI research recently revealed that one in five children are now living below the poverty line once housing costs are factored in. Behind these statistics are real hunger, real despair and real fear of eviction for families right across the country.
“Politics is about choices, and Labour’s motion would give this Government the opportunity to choose relieving child poverty and homelessness over handing out another untargeted VAT cut to the hospitality industry. The VAT cut as proposed represents €630 million – money that could and should instead be invested in our public services to lift children out of poverty and provide them with the support they urgently need.
“Every time Labour raises the issue of child poverty, we hear Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil point to hot school meals. But the reality is very different on the ground. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, still don’t have access to the scheme, and in too many cases children are still receiving cold meals. Families need real investment and proper delivery of services, not glossy press releases that don’t match the reality.
“Labour’s motion also calls for a ban on evictions when children are involved. No child should be made homeless. That’s a statement I believe everyone in this country can agree with. Families need stability and protection, and we can achieve this with one simple measure to ensure that children are not thrown into homelessness.
“Government TDs have a choice to make tomorrow. They can vote to protect children and families, or they can continue down the path of inaction and failed policies. I urge all TDs, and especially those in Government, to back Labour’s motion. Every child deserves a fair start in life, a secure home, and a better future.”