From:Department of Children, Disability and Equality

The Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley, today formally launched the start of the 20th Anniversary campaign ofGrowing Up in Ireland, Ireland’s national longitudinal study of children and young people.

Growing Up in Irelandis the national study of over 30,000 children and young people which is designed to gain insight into their lives.

The study is now telling the continuing stories of three generations of children in Ireland: those born in 1998, 2008 and 2024.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) jointly run the study, which follows the same children over time to see the impact of key transition points in their lives – such as moving from childhood to adolescence, and from adolescence to adulthood.

The study has also provided valuable insights into these children’s physical health, mental health and education. The 20th anniversary campaign, launched today at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, will see a series of events and communications activities throughout the year to highlight the study’s legacy, its continuing relevance, and to recognise the contribution of all the children, young people, and families who have participated in the study over the past 20 years.

Noting the importance of this study, Minister Foley said:

“This is a celebration of 20 years ofGrowing Up in Ireland– the nationwide study which has given us a unique insight into the lives of Irish children and young people.

I want to sincerely thank all those who have taken part over the years. Their contribution is invaluable, providing first-hand information that has influenced government policy.

This work matters deeply because, at its heart, it is about listening to and giving a voice to children and young people across Ireland in the decisions that affect them. Growing Up in Ireland continues to shape a better future for the next generation of children and young people.

Since 2006, theGrowing Up in Irelandstudy has tracked the lives of children and young people across Ireland, providing vital data that continues to shape government policy and public service delivery and inform research.”

Dr. Katie O’Farrell, Senior Statistician at the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and Head of Division for the Growing Up Ireland Survey, said:

“Since January 2023,Growing Up in Irelandis being carried out jointly by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the CSO.Growing Up in Irelanddata are collected and managed by the CSO under the strict confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act (1993). The Department and the CSO work in partnership to deliver the study, making sure the information collected is used to improve the lives of children and young people

TheGrowing Up in Irelandsurvey provides an invaluable opportunity to help build a clearer picture of what it’s like to raise children in Ireland today. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we thank all the respondents who help ensure that the data collected reflect the real needs of families. By continuing to take part, our respondents are not just answering questions, they are providing a voice for the future for thousands of children and young people nationwide”.

A central message of the anniversary campaign is that their continued engagement has madeGrowing Up in Irelandpossible.

- Photography from the event will be syndicated by Julien Behal

- Further information on Growing Up in Ireland can be found on theGrowing Up in Irelandwebsite.

- Growing Up in Ireland follows three groups of children and young people:

- Growing Up in Ireland data are collected and managed by the Central Statistics Office under the strict confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act (1993).

Impact on Policy and Public Services

Over the past 20 years, findings fromGrowing Up in Irelandhave directly and indirectly informed a wide range of national policies and services, including: