Over 100,000 NI children 'live in poverty'

from the Irish Times

Over 100,000 children are living in poverty in Northern Ireland, it was revealed today.

Rising food and fuel bills could bring more young people into deprivation in the next few years, a report added.

Among the 47 recommendations contained in the report, by the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers (OFMDFM), were that more affordable childcare must be provided to allow struggling parents to go back to work and there should be re-doubled efforts to encourage uptake of benefits.

“Having more than 100,000 children living in poverty in the 21st century is totally unacceptable,” the report said.

A typical refill of home heating oil now costs almost £600 in Northern Ireland, while the price of food staples like bread and cereals has soared because of worldwide shortages and increased production costs.

The report called for the ministerial executive to put pressure on the British government to provide further support for low income families.

“The committee identified that one of the most significant barriers to employment for low income families is the lack of availability of good quality, affordable childcare in Northern Ireland,” the report added.

“This is particularly the case for lone parent families with a child who has a disability and is also a specific problem in rural areas.

“The committee is of the view that childcare provision in Northern Ireland is woefully inadequate.”

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Patricia Lewsley said the report was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to tackle the misery that blights so many children’s lives.