Real commitment is needed to give children in poverty the care they need, writes Norah Gibbons of Barnardos
Child poverty exists in Ireland. People tell me, "I find that hard to believe - Ireland is a very wealthy country now". Ireland is indeed a very wealthy country. The OECD (2005) classified Ireland as one of the world's "high-income economies". Yet in our high-income country one in seven children live in consistent poverty (CPA 2005).
So what does living in poverty actually mean? The UN and European Commission define it as living below 60 per cent of the middle income in society, as well as in certain living conditions. In addition, eight indicators of consistent poverty have been developed. These are basic items, such as not having a substantial meal every day, not having a warm waterproof coat and not having home heating.
It means not being able to pay everyday household bills without falling into debt. The definition of consistent poverty is accepted by the Government and the figure for the number of children living in consistent poverty is also accepted by the Government.
Median income is the middle income in society. The median income per adult in Ireland was €308.80 per week in 2003 and 60 per cent of that is €185.28. Cori has estimated that this 60 per cent figure in 2005 is €199.43 per week. Cori has further estimated that in 2005, a family of two adults and three children need to have an income of more than €528.49 per week to avoid being in consistent poverty.
A family of two adults and three children who are in receipt of social welfare get €413.02 per week. This includes the universal child benefit payment. Since 1994 the rate for the child dependant allowance available for families dependent on social welfare has not been increased.
Even living in a family where the head of the household works does not in itself protect a child from poverty. A family of two adults and three children where the earner is on the national minimum wage would have an income of €528.49 per week. This includes family income supplement. We know from the Minister, Séamus Brennan, that the take-up of this benefit is low. In addition, this family would not get the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance to assist with the costs of returning their children to school because their income is deemed to be too high. It is very clear that families in these situations will be under severe stress to meet the needs of their children.
What are the consequences for the one in seven children who are living in consistent poverty in Ireland? It means they are excluded from our wealthy society, where participation requires education and money. Poor children are more likely to have a low birth weight, to leave school early. Consequently, they are less likely to be successful in education and in the workplace. Homelessness, unemployment and benefit dependency are also likely to be their companions in adult life.
Barnardos recognises that to end this exclusion and to stop the drift for this generation, the problem must be tackled across a range of issues. Barnardos's seven-point plan to improve life for the one in seven of Ireland's children includes improving income in their families, so that children can live in families that do not need to get into debt to live an ordinary life, and increasing their educational opportunities by providing one year of free quality preschool experience for every child in the year before they start primary school.
Research shows children experiencing disadvantage benefit long-term from quality preschool services. Education is a key element of any long-term strategy to eliminate child poverty. Ireland spends less on education than other EU countries and our expenditure favours those in third level. The extent of literacy and numeracy difficulties among primary school children is a matter of serious concern.
Access to primary healthcare is essential to identify any difficulties such as language or other developmental delays and to immediately get the help required to alleviate the problem. Barnardos proposes that every child in a family whose total income is taxed at the 20 per cent rate should have a full medical card. Suitable and affordable housing is important for children's health and development, yet 50,000 children are living in unsuitable accommodation. A secure home settles them within their community, increases their chances of success at school, and provides an opportunity for their parents to participate in the workforce, training and education.
There are many excellent services out there. But there are not enough of them and accessing some of them depends on your ability to pay. Ireland has an impressive National Children's Strategy. It does not say that one in seven children should be excluded from quality services, but five years into the implementation of this strategy many of them are still not able to get what they need. There still remains a need for a lead Government department to take in all the issues relating to children under its remit and to act as a strong champion for children. Barnardos believes the Department of Health and Children should be that champion, until a minister for children and young people is appointed.
As a country we must measure our progress by the standard of care that we set for the least privileged among us. Barnardos wants to see a society built on equality and fair opportunity for all. We cannot be indifferent to the plight of the one in seven children in Ireland who live in consistent poverty. Their voice is silent in the Ireland of today. Barnardos wants their voices to be heard.
Invest in our children now so they can enjoy their childhood and reap the rewards of a strong start in life. Waiting for tomorrow is too late for children.
Norah Gibbons is director of advocacy at Barnardos. www.barnardos.ie