The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD and the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, have published a new National Child Poverty Target, following Government approval today.
The Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future contains a commitment to set a new Child Poverty Target and examine ways to lift more children out of poverty.
The new Child Poverty Target is set at 3% or less (based on consistent poverty), to be achieved by the end of 2030. This goal is very ambitious, reflecting a reduction of 5.5% from the current child consistent poverty rate.
This Child Poverty Target will significantly contribute to the wider whole of Government approach to address child poverty, including the work of the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach, and the development of a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion, to cover the period 2026-2030.
Publishing the target, the Taoiseach said:
“Reducing child poverty and ensuring every child has a great start in life are key priorities for this Government. So today, I am delighted to publish the new ambitious child poverty target. In the years ahead, this will guide our cross-government policies and ensure investment is targeted at the families and children who need it the most.”
Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:
“The publication of this target highlights this Government’s commitment to reduce child poverty and foster children’s well-being. Children who grow up in poverty are far more likely to experience poverty as adults. As Minister for Social Protection, I am determined to break the cycle of lifelong and inter-generational poverty.
