Simon Harris: Budget has to be about children and child welfare

It follows the publication of a report by the Child Law Project about children in care

Minister Simon Harris said: “I think the test of Budget 2024 now is going to be how much progress can we make on these societal issues that are causing so much pressure in terms of families.” Photo: Damien Storan

The upcoming budget “absolutely has to be” focused on child welfare and tackling child poverty, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has said.

The minister was speaking following the publication of a report by the Child Law Project, which detailed concerns raised by retired judge Dermot Simms, who said that he had “utmost concern for the immediate predicament and welfare” of children in care.