UNICEF 'horrified' by McCarthy recommendations

UNICEF Ireland said today it was "horrified" by recommendations made in yesterday’s An Bord Snip report to target essential services for children, both in Ireland and internationally.

"It’s hard to believe the report refer to cuts in child-care services, education and health care as ‘savings’," said a statement from the body.

"We strongly appeal to the Government not to follow these recommendations which will hurt the most vulnerable section of society - children."

The organisation also called further targeting of overseas development assistance 'unacceptable'.

"Children's lives are at stake across the world and the overseas aid budget has been cut four times in the past 12 months, significantly impacting on UNICEF’s essential child survival programmes," the statement said.

"Taking money from children should never be regarded as ‘savings’ and we plead with the Government to realise this at this time."