It is an indictment of this government that the number of children experiencing material deprivation has increased by nearly 15 percent at a time when budget coffers are overflowing, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Róisín Shortall.
“This government pay lip service to addressing child poverty – but that is all. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made ending child poverty one of his key priorities. Instead, it has gone up.
“Confirmation today that the number of children experiencing material deprivation has soared by 15 percent is shocking and shameful. It is an indictment of this government and its inability to target supports at those who need them most at a time when coffers are overflowing.
“We are in a period of extraordinary opportunity, with record €8 billion surpluses being recorded each year. However, instead of using that money wisely, to the benefit of the most vulnerable in our society, what we have seen instead is waste, mismanagement and ineptitude.
“This government is all spin and no substance. It speaks the language of probity and equality – but what we see is recklessness and increasing poverty.
“We all know that childhood poverty has negative impacts that can last a lifetime. Eradicating child poverty is not just the right thing to do – it is the fiscally responsible thing to do.
“It is also the case that income inequality and growing deprivation can lead to social exclusion and a breakdown in social cohesion, which can have extremely detrimental impacts all across the country.
“Despite that, the government has not only not been able to make a dent in child deprivation figures – they have increased under their watch. That is unforgiveable.”