Child Poverty Entrenching Two-Tier Society - FF

The government must take urgent action to address child poverty, according to Fianna Fáil (FF).

The party warned unless the issue is addressed, child poverty will further entrench the existing two-tier society and blight children's' lives into the future.

Making the call, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Margaret Murphy O'Mahony, said: "The number of children experiencing poverty and social exclusion is appalling and it is a damning reflection of poor policy choices and decisions. Child poverty is not inevitable; it is often a result of an agenda that protects and favours the wealthiest to the detriment of the most vulnerable in society and those who have the least to give.

"It is simply unacceptable that children now represent almost 40% of all people in consistent poverty – this equates to 134,000 children. Too many children are growing up in hotel rooms; going to bed hungry and living in households struggling on inadequate incomes. In effect too many children are being denied a childhood.

"Children growing up in poverty tend to experience the same fate as adults and that is why it is imperative that we tackle child poverty now to prevent the further entrenchment of a two-tier society.

Deputy Murphy O'Mahony said that the government has "an opportunity" to move away from the punitive and regressive policies and implement a progressive approach that will make "real inroads into child poverty and social exclusion".

"I am adamant that I along with my colleagues in Fianna Fáil will hold the Government to account in this regard," she added.

(MH/LM)