Children's Right Alliance Report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPo_T0J3ik8

On Monday the Children's Right Alliance published its annual report card which provides analysis for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Green Party's joint programme for government, our shared future, and how it performed for children. The report examines the promises made to the children and grades their performance in bringing about those promises.

The report states that in 2021 government made progress in some areas given the circumstances it faced in 2021 and a B grade was awarded on the commitment to make new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their children. There were B grades for the work-to-end direct provision systems, reform of the childcare system, and long waited guidelines on reduced timetables.

There were 2 E grades awarded due to the increase in the number of children and their families experiencing homelessness with nearly 300 more people in emergency accommodation at the end of 2021 compared to the start of 2021 is deeply disappointing particularly given the fall in homelessness numbers in 2020. The report gives us a snapshot of the work that needs to be done. We have just under 2500 who are homeless and 929 young adults. 1979 children and young people are in direct provision. 84% of 8-12-year-olds are on social media platforms despite being below the age restriction. 2384 children are o the waiting list for a CAHMS appointment with 170 of those waiting over a year. It's a good time for us to have a debate on how we can help resolve these issues.