A research study undertaken to promote the awareness of child poverty in Ireland was unveiled by the Children¿s Rights Alliance and the National Youth Council of Ireland, earlier today.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Children, Mr Brian Lenihan said the key objective of the study is to "listen to, understand and appreciate the thinking of children".
He said that when his Department returns to work, he will be asking his officials to look in detail at the study.
"Children are at the heart of national life ... They have a valued contribution to make to Irish society," he said.
Also speaking at the launch Ms Colette Murray, the early years co-ordinator at Pavee Point asked the Minister not to allow recent budgetary constraints to detract from ending child poverty in Ireland.
The study - Hearing Our Voices- identifies key issues for consideration when consulting with children and young people over issues that relate to them. Particular attention is given to the challenge associated with children and young people experiencing poverty or other forms of social exclusion.
The two authors, Ms Karen McAuley of the Children's Rights Alliance and Ms Marian Brattman, of the National Youth Council of Ireland, consulted over sixty children and young people aged between seven and eighteen over the year of completion.