THE Irish Government has set itself a target of reaching a child poverty rate of three per cent by 2030.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin published the new target this week after receiving Government approval for the plans.
“Reducing child poverty and ensuring every child has a great start in life are key priorities for this Government,” he said.
“So today, I am delighted to publish the new ambitious child poverty target.
“In the years ahead, this will guide our cross-government policies and ensure investment is targeted at the families and children who need it the most.”
“This goal is very ambitious, reflecting a reduction of 5.5% from Ireland’s current child consistent poverty rate,” a spokesperson for the Taoiseach’s department said.
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary said the new target supports the Government’s commitment to reduce child poverty and foster children’s wellbeing.
“Children who grow up in poverty are far more likely to experience poverty as adults,” he said.
“As Minister for Social Protection, I am determined to break the cycle of lifelong and inter-generational poverty,” he added.
“Recent budgets have continued to provide supports for the most vulnerable children in our society, through measures such as increases in the child support payment, the working family payment thresholds, free schoolbooks, and the extension of hot school meals to all primary schools,” Minister Calleary explained.
“These and future budget measures are important factors towards achieving the target set.”
See More: Child Poverty, Ireland
