Lo shocked by Child Poverty level and says Executive must act

10.18.00am GMT Wed 9th Jan 2008

Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo

Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has expressed shock at a report which states that there are more than 100,000 children living in poverty in Northern Ireland. The report also claimed that there are 44,000 children living in severe poverty. She said that actions speak louder than words and the Executive must act quickly to tackle this devastating problem.

The Alliance MLA said: "This is shocking news that there are so many children living in poverty in Northern Ireland. In this day and age many would have expected this figure to be lower, but the truth is that child poverty is still a massive problem.

"I welcomed the inclusion of targets to eliminate child poverty by 2020 in the Programme for Government, but these figures in this report might mean that the Executive will have to work harder to achieve this goal. The Executive must start working on this as actions speak louder than words.

"The Office of the First Minister Deputy First Minister must over see a multi agency approach to tackle this blight on our society. Local children a strong a coherent joined effort from the relevant government departments.

"More resources will have to be allocated to making sure that every child in Northern Ireland will not face any disadvantages associated with child poverty. It will take a lot of hard work to end child poverty but it is work that must be done."

ENDS