Children left behind as Government fails to plan – Bacik

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has today criticised the Government’s failure to plan for children’s needs, after raising the issue directly with the Taoiseach in the Dáil. Deputy Bacik warned that despite claims of a strong economy, thousands of children are being failed across the State – including those in care, those experiencing homelessness, and children with additional needs – and called on Government to adopt Labour’s Children’s Charter to guarantee their rights.

Ivana Bacik TD said:
“Families across Ireland are seeing the reality behind the Government’s claims of economic strength. Children are going without the supports they need, with one in five living below the breadline, thousands experiencing homelessness, and many more unable to access appropriate education or care. These are not isolated issues. They are systemic failures that this Government has allowed to persist.

“In the Dáil today, I raised the deeply concerning situation in our care system, where Tusla is now going to court seeking approval to take children into care, while simultaneously asking judges not to enforce its legal obligation to provide that care. This points to a profound capacity crisis. Under the Child Care Act 1991, the State has a clear duty to protect and care for children at serious risk. Yet this Government has failed to ensure the staffing and resources needed to meet that obligation.

“The Taoiseach’s response today was deeply disappointing. He failed to engage with the substance of the issue and instead relied on rehearsed lines and outdated arguments, including references to Special Needs Assistants, matters that have already been rolled back. Crucially, he did not acknowledge the central problem. The lack of forward planning that is leaving children without the supports they need.

“This failure is also evident in our education system. While additional special education places have been announced, they fall far short of demand. Hundreds of children are still without appropriate placements, and many families are being forced to accept unsuitable options. Inclusion is the stated policy of the State, but inclusion without adequate resourcing is meaningless. Schools, teachers and SNAs are doing extraordinary work, but they are being asked to deliver without the supports required to do so effectively.

“Every week, we hear from parents fighting for assessments, from principals worried about how they can meet the needs of their pupils, and from educators stretched beyond capacity. Children are waiting years for diagnoses and supports – years that cannot be given back.

“Labour has set out a clear and credible alternative through our Children’s Charter which is a roadmap to strengthen children’s rights and ensure proper planning across care, education and social supports. This Government has the tools to act, but it is choosing not to.

“Labour is calling on Government to adopt our Children’s Charter and to implement a planned, resourced response that guarantees the rights of every child in Ireland. Children deserve better. The Government must act now.”