Ireland's 2024 Biennial report on the implementation of the Child Guarantee – an overview
Three years after the adoption of the European Child Guarantee, EU Member States are releasing the first report on its implementation. The reports offer an overview of the context, target groups, and services established to execute the European Child Guarantee’s National Action Plans. Additionally, they include sections covering indicators, financing details, and insights and conclusions gleaned from the implementation process.
The Irish Government submitted its 2024 Biennial report on the implementation of the Child Guarantee in June 2024.
The report focuses on:
- Early childhood education and care: A review of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Enhancements of the National Childcare Scheme and adoption of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028. The Equal Start funding model supports participation in ECCE for disadvantaged families. Reform of the childcare system.
- Education and school-based activities: Expansion of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools Programme. Provision of free books to primary school students within the Free Education Scheme. Establishment of the Supporting Traveller and Roma Programme. Development of the Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Strategy and review of the School Transport Scheme.
- Healthy meal each school day: The School Meals Programme provides funding towards provision of regular, free, nutritious meals to children.
- Healthcare: Improved access to medical doctors, extended to children aged six, supports early identification of diseases and developmental issues. All children receive free vision screening and vaccines provided free of charge. Funding for period poverty mitigation.
- Adequate housing: Adoption of the Youth Homelessness Strategy.
- Local poverty action plans: Ireland plans local child poverty action plans in the Children and Young People’s Services Committees areas.
Check out the rest of the 2024 Biennial reports on the implementation of the Child Guarantee!
Eurochild and its members will continue to call on Member States to release their biennial reports and work to ensure the Child Guarantee National Action Plans help end child poverty.
This summary provides key highlights from the Biennial report on the Child Guarantee implementation in Ireland published in June 2024. It is not exhaustive or evaluative.
