Research commissioned by Barnardos in 2019 found that Ireland is spending an additional €6.95bn addressing preventable social problems such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and violence against children. This is not an accident of history but the result of clear policy choices.
Early intervention, through family support, can address the lasting impact of childhood adversity enabling children and their families to build resilience, to believe in their capacities and to live with hope and positive expectations for themselves and their children. The next Government should: