James Geoghegan
Question:109. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education will next meet. [43419/26]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2026
Questions (109)
Written answers
The Cabinet Committee on Children and Education oversees the implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of children and education. It receives detailed reports on identified policy areas such as child poverty and well-being and education.
The membership of the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education comprises the:
• Taoiseach,
• Tánaiste and Minister for Finance,
• Minister for Health,
• Minister for Social Protection,
• Minister for Education and Youth,
• Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
• Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation,
• Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality,
The Programme for Government contains many important commitments intended to improve the lives of all children, and especially those children who need our help most. These commitments include:
• Setting an ambitious child poverty target.
• Progressively increasing the Child Support Payment.
• Expanding eligibility for the Fuel Allowance to families in receipt of the Working Family Payment.
• Exploring a targeted Child Benefit payment.
All have these commitments have been progressed.
The Government’s vision for education is to deliver a world class education system which breaks down barriers and ensures every child can achieve their full potential. That is why we remain committed realising the potential of the new DEIS and DEIS Plus programme.
Budget 2026 moved towards permanent targeted payments to support those most vulnerable. Analysis from the ESRI shows that the permanent measures taken in Budget 2026 are progressive and prioritise protecting the incomes of the poorest families. This targeted approach taken in Budget 2026 is a strategic decision by Government to close the gap for children and families most at risk in our society.
A €320 million social welfare package for children includes the largest increase ever in the Child Support Payment, increased income thresholds for the Working Family Payment, and the extension of Fuel Allowance to those on the Working Family Payment.
Meeting the needs of children with disabilities is a priority for me and for Government. That is why we established a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Disability. The work of this Cabinet Committee is progressing important initiatives to respond to the needs and well-being of children. Significant increases in investment in disability services are also being delivered.
The Cabinet Committee on Children and Education met in May. It will meet again in due course.
Questions Nos. 110 to 120, inclusive, resubmitted.