Positive report issued on health of Irish three-year-olds

Three-quarters of three-year-old children in Ireland are "very healthy", according to a new report.

The Government-funded study also found that many others are struggling with weight problems or child obesity, however, with almost a quarter of three-year-old children being classed as overweight (19%) or obese (6%).

The 'Growing up in Ireland - The Infant Cohort at Three Years' report also stated that 61% of parents are having difficulties making ends meet.

The report surveyed more than 11,000 children and parents. It is hoped that the findings will help shape public policy in the future.

Girls were more likely to be reported as very healthy (78%) compared with boys (72%).

Children’s weight was related to household social class. Some 5% of children in families in the professional/managerial group were classified as obese at three years of age compared with 9% of those in the most disadvantaged social class group.

However, at least one-fifth of children in every social class were overweight.

Just under 16% of three-year-old children were reported as having at least one longstanding illness, condition or disability.

The most commonly reported illness types included Asthma (5.8%), Eczema/Skin allergies (3.9%) and Food/digestive allergies (1.2%).

Speaking at the launch of the report today, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said: "This research highlights the heavy economic strain being experienced by families today, which is deeply disturbing.

"The research shows what we already know on a personal basis, families are finding it very tough to make ends meet."

Also speaking today, Prof. James Williams, research professor, ESRI and principal investigator and co-director, Growing Up in Ireland, said: "The release of today’s findings is a significant milestone in the life of the study giving a first glimpse of the longitudinal trends in the situation of families with young children and a clearer picture of the different life experiences for children in Ireland.

"With each wave of data collected our knowledge and understanding of children's development increases in breadth and scope.

"The strength of Growing Up in Ireland as a longitudinal study allows us to look at families over time and to provide information about change at an individual and family level and gain insights into the effects of early life experiences on outcomes later in life."