3,000 children forced to go without basic assistance

UP TO 3,000 children are going without basics such as Calpol, school shoes and proper clothes because they are not entitled to the Children’s Allowance.

The payment was once made to all children living in Ireland regardless of wealth or status. But in May 2004 the Government stopped giving it to children who could not prove habitual residence here.

This has resulted in up to 3,000 children of immigrant parents being denied any assistance, according to figures compiled by a number of groups working with children.