Barnardos is today calling for political parties and those running as independents to prioritise funding towards Family Support services that can benefit the most disadvantaged cohort of children in Ireland. #GE2020 #FamilySupport
22 January 2020. Barnardos is today calling for political parties and those running as independents to prioritise funding towards Family Support services that can benefit the most disadvantaged cohort of children in Ireland.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “While most children in Ireland are doing well, at least one-in-five have poor economic, social and educational outcomes. Successive governments and the political system is failing to adequately address the complex issues facing this cohort of children. Through targeted investment and reform, the next government can deliver real and sustainable change and ensure that all children in Ireland have the same life chances.
Barnardos is calling on the next government to provide:
- Sustainable investment in Family Support;
- Reform state services and supports, and
- Introduce truly free education for all children.
“Research commissioned by Barnardos last year found that Ireland is spending an additional €6.95bn on addressing preventable social problems such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and violence against children. This is not an accident of history but the result of clear policy choices.
“The first month of 2020 has been marked by a wave of high profile violent and tragic incidents which has garnered much media attention. The complexity of the underlying issues facing the families and communities behind these headlines are often misunderstood. There is a clear need to invest in intensive supports which enable families to build resilience, to believe in their capacities and to live with hope and positive expectations for themselves and their children”.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
The priorities set out in our manifesto are based on our work with over 18,000 children and families across Ireland and our experience and expertise in this area.
FOR MORE
In March 2019, Barnardos commissioned Just Economics to undertake research on why investment is needed now to ensure the sustainability of quality services for children and families.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423