The Democratic Programme of the First Dáil on 21 January 1919 promised:

“It shall be the first duty of the Government of the Republic to make provision for the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the children, to secure that no child shall suffer hunger or cold from lack of food, clothing, or shelter, but that all shall be provided with the means and facilities requisite for their proper education and training as Citizens of a Free and Gaelic Ireland.”

Fast forward one hundred years and while child poverty takes on some different guises today, it is still a blight on many childhoods. Today, there are over 100,000 children in Ireland growing up in households where there is consistent poverty.

Life for children living in poverty in 2019 can be very tough. These children are sometimes hungry, generally don’t do as well at school, and cannot always afford to participate in activities with their friends. They earn less when they become adults and have poorer mental health. It affects their health, wellbeing, anxiety levels and behaviour – every aspect of their lives.
 

To keep up to date with this national conversation, visit No Child 2020.