Let’s take steps to end child poverty

CHERISHING all our children equally is supposed to be one of the cornerstones of what it means to be Irish, and that commitment should be a source for great reflection as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

It is now more important than ever that our political leaders refocus on that commitment and close a poverty gap which is leaving many of our children behind. Official CSO figures confirm the one in five is now at serious risk of poverty, while one in 10 is living in consistent poverty.

These are children growing up in homes where the choice has to be made between education, clothing, fuel costs as well as property taxes and household charges, while balanced with the very basic need of food on the table.