Ireland's Child Poverty Challenge

A new report published by the Joint Committee on Children and Equality on Child Poverty and Deprivation states that child poverty remains one of Ireland's most pressing social challenges, despite economic growth and sustained government efforts to reduce disadvantage. The report presents a comprehensive examination of the causes, consequences and potential solutions to child poverty, drawing on evidence from government departments, researchers, community organisations and children themselves. Social Justice Ireland contributed to the discussion and welcomes the publication of the report. 

The report concludes that child poverty is not simply a question of household income. Rather, it is a multidimensional issue encompassing housing, education, healthcare, nutrition, childcare, participation in society and access to opportunities. The committee argues that tackling child poverty requires addressing the structural conditions that affect families and communities, rather than focusing solely on individual circumstances. One of the report's most striking findings is that children experience the highest levels of poverty and deprivation of any age group in Ireland. According to evidence presented to the committee, children have the highest rates of consistent poverty, enforced deprivation and risk of poverty across all age cohorts. The report notes that the at-risk-of-poverty rate for children rose to 16.9 per cent in 2025. While poverty affects children across society, certain groups are disproportionately impacted. Children living in lone-parent households, households affected by disability and larger families face significantly higher risks of poverty and deprivation. The committee also highlighted the intersectional nature of poverty, noting that disadvantage can be compounded by factors such as disability, ethnicity, family status and broader socio-economic inequalities.

Throughout the report, witnesses to the committee emphasised that poverty has profound and long-lasting effects on children's lives. These impacts extend far beyond financial hardship and can influence physical health, mental wellbeing, educational achievement and future life opportunities. Children experiencing poverty are more likely to encounter barriers to participation in sports, arts, cultural activities and social events. The report identifies "play deprivation" as a significant issue, noting that economic constraints can limit opportunities for recreation and social development. Food poverty was also highlighted as a growing concern. Witnesses described how inadequate access to nutritious food can affect children's health, educational outcomes and overall development. The committee heard that the consequences of childhood poverty often persist into adulthood, contributing to cycles of disadvantage that can span generations.

Housing and Cost of Living Pressures

The report identifies several structural drivers of child poverty. Chief among them are housing costs, income inadequacy and the broader cost-of-living pressures facing families. Housing insecurity emerged as a recurring theme throughout the committee's hearings. Witnesses argued that access to secure, affordable and stable housing is essential for children's wellbeing and educational attainment. The ongoing housing crisis was repeatedly cited as a key factor contributing to family hardship. Childcare costs and availability were also identified as significant challenges. The report notes that barriers to accessing affordable childcare can limit parental employment opportunities while simultaneously affecting children's early learning and development. In addition, the committee heard concerns about educational costs, disability-related expenses and the inconsistent enforcement of child maintenance payments, all of which can place additional strain on vulnerable families.

Listening to Children's Voices

A notable feature of the committee's work was its direct engagement with children and young people. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the committee held private sessions with young people from diverse backgrounds to ensure their experiences informed the report. Children participating in the consultation described how poverty affects their daily lives. Many spoke about difficulties accessing healthcare, educational resources and everyday essentials. Others highlighted the emotional impact of poverty, including feelings of exclusion, reduced self-esteem and limitations on their ability to participate in activities enjoyed by their peers. Healthcare, access to essentials and education emerged as the most important concerns raised by children and young people.

Recommendations for Government

The committee argues that meaningful progress will require a coordinated, cross-government approach. Among the key themes emerging from the report are stronger data collection, improved policy coordination, increased investment in public services and a greater focus on prevention and early intervention. The report advocates for child-rights budgeting, which would assess government spending decisions through the lens of children's rights and wellbeing. Members also support improved integration between government agencies and more stable, multi-annual funding for community-based services. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that supporting families is central to reducing child poverty. As the report notes, strengthening family capabilities and creating conditions in which families can thrive is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for children. 

The report contains 60 recommendations aimed at reducing child poverty and deprivation. While the committee supports implementation of all recommendations, it identified six priority measures that it believes should be advanced before the end of 2026. These include consideration of a national activities card that would enable every child to participate in leisure or recreational activities regardless of family income; adoption of child-rights budgeting across government; increased resources for communities experiencing intergenerational poverty and trauma; expansion of childcare capacity in disadvantaged areas; continued growth of Family Resource Centres; and progress on enforcing child maintenance orders. The committee also calls for the full incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Irish law, the introduction of socio-economic status as a protected ground in equality legislation, greater use of integrated data to inform policy and expanded access to healthcare for children in need. Additional recommendations focus on home-visiting programmes, trauma-informed services, early childhood education, youth work, school meals, family supports and access to play, culture and sport.

The report presents child poverty as both a social justice issue and a long-term economic challenge. It argues that the costs of failing to address childhood deprivation are borne not only by affected families but by society as a whole through poorer health outcomes, reduced educational attainment and diminished social mobility. While acknowledging existing initiatives such as the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office and various community-based interventions, the committee concludes that stronger action is required if Ireland is to meet its national and international commitments to children. Its central message is clear: child poverty is not inevitable. Through coordinated policy, sustained investment and a commitment to children's rights, Ireland has the capacity to reduce deprivation and improve outcomes for future generations.