Mayo TD to chair discussion on child poverty and deprivation

THE Joint Committee on Children and Equality will meet this morning in Leinster House to discuss child poverty and deprivation with stakeholders.

The meeting, at 9.30 a.m., chaired by Mayo TD Keira Keogh, will hear from representatives from the Children’s Rights Alliance, National One Parent Family Alliance, Social Justice Ireland and Early Childhood Ireland.

Committee cathaoirleach Deputy Keogh said: “This meeting is the first in a series the committee will hold in the coming weeks to discuss child poverty and deprivation, and related matters. The committee will examine the causes of child poverty, the impact on children and families, and policy and other measures that can be taken to assist families out of poverty and deprivation.

“Key issues to be discussed with our stakeholders include low income and related supports, housing, homelessness and emergency accommodation, food and fuel poverty, childcare, education, health, and available supports to families affected by or at risk of poverty.”

She added: “The committee welcomes the opportunity to examine these issues which affect so many families in our country, the need for more supports and other measures to remove families from poverty and deprivation. Members look forward to a wide-ranging discussion with our stakeholders who are at the coalface of dealing with poverty and its impact on families and children.”

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.