According to the most recent Children’s Rights Alliance Child Poverty Monitor, 7.8% of children in 2025 had experienced consistent childhood poverty. File picture
The Government held its third Child Poverty and Wellbeing Summit in Dublin on Thursday, with the Taoiseach saying addressing child poverty is the Government’s “north star”.
Micheál Martin has said the Government has set itself clear targets to reduce child poverty out to 2030, but what exactly is the Government doing to deal with the matter?
What is the Government’s target for child poverty and what progress has it made?
Announced last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and social protection Minister Dara Calleary said they wanted to cut the rate of child poverty to 3% or below by 2030.
According to the most recent Children’s Rights Alliance Child Poverty Monitor, 7.8% of children in 2025 had experienced consistent childhood poverty.
The raw data outlines that there were 95,170 children living in consistent poverty in 2025, while 206,202 were at risk of falling below the poverty line.
What measures have previously been taken?
In Budget 2026, public expenditure Minister Jack Chambers announced there would be €300m allocated to a package of supports for children and families.
This included increases to the weekly rate of Child Support Payment of €8 for under 12s and €16 for over 12s, bringing the total payment to €58 and €78 respectively.
The budget also increased the Working Family Payment income thresholds by €60 per week, while also granting recipients of that payment access to the fuel allowance.
What measures is it considering for the upcoming budget?
While no concrete measures have been announced yet, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have signalled that some move will be made to reduce the cost of childcare.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Harris said the Government would be prioritising childcare on October 6.
“Our ambition is clear: To make childcare more affordable, more accessible and more inclusive for families throughout the country, including progressively reducing average childcare costs to €200 per month per child.
