Child Poverty on the Island of Ireland

Childhood poverty significantly impacts health, education, and future employment. Studies show that economic vulnerability during childhood leads to poorer outcomes in various areas, including cognitive and educational attainment, socio-emotional development, and health. Additionally, childhood poverty increases the risk of adult poverty, higher unemployment, and lower educational attainment.

In both Ireland and the UK, children have had the highest income poverty rates over the past decade. UK child poverty rates improved until 2013-2014 but worsened due to changes in benefit entitlements. In Ireland, child poverty rates remained stable, but material deprivation fluctuated with economic cycles. The pandemic initially reduced child poverty, but recent data shows an increase.

Child poverty rates in 2021/22 were higher in Northern Ireland (18%) compared to Ireland in 2022 (15%). A common feature is that larger families and lone-parent households face higher poverty risks in both regions, with regional disparities, particularly in the north-west.

The project aims to fill the research gap in all-island research on child poverty by comparing the situation across Ireland and Northern Ireland using harmonized definitions and multi-dimensional measures. The study will analyse two representative survey data, the Family Resource Survey for Northern Ireland and the Survey on Income and Living Conditions for Ireland. It will involve also stakeholder consultations to gather insights on current challenges and policy effectiveness and explore cross-border cooperation.

The study will address key questions about vulnerable child groups, the role of household labour market situations, and the policies impact on child poverty.