One in nine children living in poverty: Barnardos

One in every nine children in Ireland is living in consistent poverty, a leading children’s charity claimed today.

Youngsters who live in disadvantaged areas are more likely to encounter problems with education, health and crime, according to Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay.

Launching its annual review 2006, the organisation called on the Government to fund early childhood care and education in a bid to reverse the trend.

Meanwhile Minister for Finance Brian Cowen praised the charity for its years of dedicated service.

“There are one million children in Ireland today and one in nine of them are living in consistent poverty,” Mr Finlay said.

“Many of the children Barnardos works with put up with hunger, bullying, violence and anxiety as part of their daily routine.

“Many are frightened of stepping outside their front door because there are no safe places to play.

“Children are living in sub-standard houses and are exposed to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

“Where you are born should not dictate where you end up.

“However, evidence shows that children who are reared in disadvantaged areas are more likely to encounter problems with poverty, education, health and crime,” he said.

More than 90% of kids seen by Barnardos in the last year suffered from family and relationship troubles, such as domestic violence, while 99% came from low-income backgrounds.

Around 30% of children had physical health needs, with many suffering from speech and language difficulties and inadequate nutrition.

Mr Finlay called on the Government to provide funding for early childhood education and care services.

“Rather than responding to and managing problems as they arise, early intervention represents both a social and economic long-term solution to resolving once and for all the issues faced by vulnerable children and their families in Ireland,” he said.

“Research has shown the huge pay-back from early and quality intervention in the lives of children.

“According to an analysis of one model by the National Economic and Social Forum, for every euro invested in a child there is a seven-fold return.

“International experts have agreed that early intervention and prevention makes sense, not just in social terms, not just in terms of justice, but also in hard-nosed economic terms.”

Mr Cowen, who attended the launch, congratulated charity workers for their service to the community.

“I would like to congratulate Barnardos for their many years of dedicated and fruitful work in the field of caring for children, especially the most vulnerable, both in terms of advocacy and in terms of direct interventions through the many services you deliver,” he said.

“Barnardos continues to contribute greatly to increasing the range of provision of quality childcare in areas of social and economic disadvantage and to supporting communities to develop and run services in response to their own identified needs.”

Barnardos Chief Executive speaking at the launch of the group's annual report.