Children’s advocacy groups are urging the incoming Irish government to dedicate the €13 billion Apple tax payment to tackle rising child poverty, following a new ESRI report highlighting concerning poverty rates among Irish children.
The Children’s Rights Alliance and Community Foundation Ireland have called for the tax windfall to be ringfenced specifically for investments in children and young people’s services, as the new coalition government prepares to take office.
The push comes in response to what the ESRI has described as an “unacceptable number” of children living in poverty across Ireland, suggesting the Apple funds could provide a unique opportunity to address long-standing issues in child welfare and development.
According to The Irish Examiner, the timing of the appeal coincides with the finalization of the programme for government, presenting an opportunity for the incoming administration to make a significant commitment to reducing child poverty using the substantial tax payment received from Apple.