The Government is to co-fund a new €36 million programme aimed at helping disdavantaged and vulnerable children.
Minister for Children Brian Lenihan, announced details of the €18 million funding today. The initiative is part of a joint venture with the Atlantic Philanthropies.
The programme will receive €36 million in total, with the Atlantic Philanthropies adding the extra €18 million in funding.
"Both national and international research proves that early investment in the lives of children leads to better outcomes for those children," Mr Lenihan said.
The programme will be targeted at three areas of severe disadvantage over a three-year period. If the project proves a success, it may be used as the basis to formulate policies and services for children in the future.
"In all three areas, there is evidence of the need for early intervention," said Mr Lenihan. "The programme will introduce and evaluate a range of integrated interventions for children and their families and test if they make a positive difference to children."
The Office of the Minister for Children has already sought project proposals for a childhood development initiative for the Tallaght West area, a project aimed at the Belcamp, Darndale and Moatview communities on the north side of the city, and another aimed at young people in Ballymun.
"We know from a growing body of evidence internationally that earlier intervention with disadvantaged children can prevent problems such as school dropout and low achievement," said John R. Healy, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic. "We welcome this important opportunity to collaborate with the Government in supporting three local communities that are currently finalising carefully planned programmes that will intervene in the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with a robust mix of services."