Child poverty estimates ‘alarming’

Urgent action must be taken to prevent families from being forced into poverty due to the economic crisis Sinn Féin TD Pauline Tully said as she called on the government to protect incomes.

Deputy Tully demanded “robust” action as the Economic and Social Research Institute released figures indication that child poverty could increase sharply unless there is some economic recovery this year.

The TD was recently appointed her party's Junior Spokesperson on Disability and Carers. She said: “The ERSI report is a stark warning of the serious and far reaching repercussions of the economic crisis. Its estimates are deeply alarming and highlight how ordinary workers and families must be protected to ensure that they are not forced to shoulder the burden of austerity in the months and years ahead.”

Deputy Tully said trends in the area are alarming: “The current child poverty rate is already far too high at 16%. Projections by the ESRI that this figure could rise to 21% by the end of this year are deeply concerning.

“No child should be subjected to the indignity and distress of a childhood in poverty. Children cannot be allowed to become collateral damage in the economic crisis,” she said.

“The Government must act urgently and robustly to ensure that vulnerable families receive sufficient financial support to protect their incomes in the difficult time ahead,” Deputy Tully concluded.