Barnardos says next budget is government's 'last chance' on child poverty
Barnardos said it wants to see the Government step up to the plate in Budget 2016.
The children's charity says the number of youngsters living in poverty has doubled since the recession and now stands at 12%.
The organisation will give the Minister for Social Protection its proposals for the next budget today, as she collects recommendations from civil groups.
"As the last Budget before the general election, the Government has one chance to put their money where its mouth is," said June Tinsley, Head of Advocacy at Barnardos.
"They have told us there will be a surplus in Budget 2016. They have told us they will support those who are worst off. They have told us they want the fruits of the economic recovery shared among all people."
The group is recommending that a part of the Department of Social Protection's budget should be allocated to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to provide subsidised childcare.
It also wants to see a widespread and improved school meals programme and an increase in the back to school clothing and footwear allowance to €150 for primary school pupils, and €250 for secondary school pupils.
