Annual report of Special Rapporteur on Child Protection says more children experienced homelessness and poverty in 2022
Tomorrow’s change of Taoiseach will make zero difference to the lives of children experiencing record levels of poverty, deprivation and homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Children, said:
“It has been reported today that primary schools across the country have been distributing food vouchers to help struggling families over the Christmas period. The Children’s Rights Alliance said it was inundated with requests after it reached out to schools through the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. However, the charity only had enough funds to assist a small number of schools.
“Separately, in his 2022 annual report, the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Professor Conor O’Mahony, noted that child poverty and homelessness levels have worsened this year.
“The most recent figures show that 3,480 children are living in emergency accommodation, which is a damning indictment of this Government’s failed housing policies.
“As we go through the motions of a rotating Taoiseach and Tánaiste tomorrow, this should serve as a reminder of the unequal Ireland our children are growing up in. A change of Taoiseach for the rest of this Government’s term is unlikely to make any difference to their lives.”
December 16, 2022