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From:Department of the Taoiseach

The Government has published the Second Progress Report of the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office, which completes the reporting cycle of its first Programme Plan,From Poverty to Potential.

The latest progress report confirms that the focus on child poverty is delivering results and making a real difference in children’s lives. Stronger supports for children and families are creating a more inclusive society where children’s well-being is a priority.

This report reveals the very significant progress that has been made under the first Programme Plan to help lift children and families out of poverty - including increased child-related payments, expanded access to early learning and childcare, free schoolbooks for primary and post-primary students, and the launch of the new DEIS Strategy and DEIS Plus Scheme. Despite significant cost of living challenges during this period, the most recent data shows that child poverty fell from 8.5% in 2024 to 7.8% in 2025.

Child poverty goes beyond income, though adequate income is essential. This report brings together whole-of-government responses, drawing on input from 12 departments. It provides a unique insight into coordinated action on a complex issue, showing what can be achieved with a clear, focused and coherent approach.

Following publication of the report, the Taoiseach said:

“Continuing to cut child poverty on this scale will be tough, especially as we face economic uncertainty and the risk of widening inequality. But we know what works and we know how to turn this ambition into reality.

“The way forward is to prioritise those who need our help most and to keep making progress year by year. As we move towards our 2030 target, we will be steadfast in our commitment to protect the dignity of children and the dignity of the adults they will become.

“The establishment of a Child Poverty Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach has strengthened government action, increased the prioritisation of children, and driven more joined-up responses.”

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said:

“Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. That is why we are investing in measures that help break the cycle of disadvantage and ensure every child can reach their full potential. Earlier this year, I was delighted to launch the new ten-year DEIS Strategy, alongside the first three-year DEIS Implementation Plan and the landmark DEIS Plus scheme. Together, these initiatives strengthen supports for children and young people who need them most and help create more inclusive educational opportunities.”

"Reducing the cost of education for families is a key priority. The extension of the free schoolbooks scheme to all children and young people attending primary, post-primary and special schools in the Free Education Scheme is a significant milestone, helping to ease financial pressures on families. We are committed to building on this progress, including through a review of existing measures designed to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other school-related expenses. Through these actions, we are helping to remove barriers to education and ensuring that every child and young person can participate, succeed and thrive.”

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

“High quality early learning and care and school-age childcare services have an important role to play in children’s development and in helping to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty and social exclusion. That is why this Government is prioritising a record investment of almost €1.5 billion in early learning and care and school-age childcare services to support children from all backgrounds, most particularly children with additional needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.

"As part of Budget 2026, ten new Family Resource Centres have been announced and Tusla’s budget has been increased by €165 million, to provide vital frontline services to children and families experiencing poverty.”

The report is available on the Programme Office website:https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/7c189-child-poverty-and-well-being-programme-office/

In Spring 2023, the Taoiseach established a Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach. On 1 August, the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office published its initial work programme,From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025.The Programme focused on six areas:

1) Income supports and joblessness

2) Early learning and childcare

3) Reducing the cost of education

5) Consolidating and integrating family and parental support, health and well-being

6) Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty

The role of the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office is to drive implementation of a broad range of commitments that will impact on these six areas. The Office also undertakes a number of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of cross-government responses to child poverty, including a specific focus on child poverty and well-being in the annual Budget.

Government is currently preparing a second programme plan which will further accelerate the ambition to make Ireland the best country in Europe to be a child.