Press Releases

Published date: 28 Oct 2024

One year on and absolutely no progress made on vital income support for children in direct provision

Today, the Children’s Rights Alliance renews its call for the implementation of the international protection payment for children and young people.

Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance says:

“This day next week, over a million children and young people will receive the first of two double child benefit payments. As we head into difficult winter months, many families will breathe a sigh of relief with this additional support. But as this happens, children and young people in direct provision will receive nothing. No double payment or child benefit payment at all.”

“For five years, these children have been left behind by this Government. They have watched budget after budget go by without any increases to the income support they receive. Children and young people in direct provision do not qualify for the double child benefit or the weekly increases and once-off lump sum Child Support Payment targeted at those experiencing poverty. Instead, Government expects these children and young people to survive on just €29.80 a week.”

“We know that less than €30 a week falls shamefully short of what is needed to afford just the basic essentials for a decent standard of living. Ignoring these children and the obvious need for more adequate income supports all but confirms that their childhoods will be severely compromised by poverty. There are no afterschool activities, cinema trips, birthday parties with friends. The hallmarks of a happy childhood are not an option when you can barely afford to just get through the week.”

Budget 2025 included €8.4 million for an International Protection Child Payment. This follows a commitment in Budget 2024 which allocated €4.7 million to deliver the payment. However, one year on there has been no progress made on delivering the support.

“It is positive to see that the investment needed to make this payment possible was maintained in Budget 2025, but it is difficult for us and other children and youth organisations to welcome this as the same promise was made last year and a year on from that, absolutely no progress has been made and there is simply no good reason as to why not. How much longer are we expecting these children and young people to wait for support?,” said Tanya Ward.

“Next week, children and young people in direct provision will once again watch from the sidelines and receive nothing. We urge Government to implement this critical income support to ensure that the financial support is brought closer to that of their peers. If one of the most vulnerable groups of children and young people get left behind again, then the commitment to end child poverty will be just as good as the commitment to deliver this support – another empty promise.”

_ENDS_

Contact:

Robyn Keleghan, [email protected] / 087 136 8975

Notes to Editors:

• Children’s Rights Alliance spokespeople are available for media interviews; other speakers available upon request.

About the Children’s Rights Alliance
Founded in 1995, the Children’s Rights Alliance unites over 150 members working together to make Ireland one of the best places in the world to be a child. Further information is available at: childrensrights.ie or on Twitter, @ChildRightsIRL #EndChildPoverty