Strategy recognises 1/3 of Londonderry children are poor

The Child Poverty Strategy Consultation Document published last week starts from the premise that over 30 per cent of children living in the west of the province experienced child poverty in 2008/9.

The report accepts that where a child lives is an important factor in determining whether they experience poverty or not.

It attests: "Child poverty risk can vary according to where children here. One third of children living in the west of the province, 29 per cent of those living in Belfast, and 15 per cent in the east of the province live in households experiencing poverty in 2008/09 compared to the Northern Ireland rate of 25 per cent of all children experiencing poverty."

Launching the consultation Ministers at the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) said they wanted to hear from those most directly affected by child poverty.

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: "We all recognise the need to tackle child poverty but we also know that the solutions are not so easy to find.

"With this in mind, we welcome the launch a consultation on a draft Child Poverty Strategy. We are keen to hear the views of people here and in particular those most affected.

"The strategy sets out the key areas that we believe are crucial in addressing the causes and consequences of child poverty, and sets the strategic direction for the eradication of child poverty here. It is also intended to bring focus to the issue and promote a common aim across government. We remain fully committed to the challenge ahead and to taking the necessary steps to help all children have better life chances."

Junior Minister Robin Newton said: "Child poverty impacts on many aspects of a child's life including their health, education, employment prospects and future potential. Therefore all departments have a role to play. We also recognise that this is not an issue we can tackle ourselves and we appreciate the role and good work of other agencies and non-government organisations, including the private sector.

The consultation runs from Monday 6 December 2010 to 6 February 201.