Young Ireland

Also of relevance in the policy context is Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for

Children and Young People 2023-2028 (DCEDIY, 2023). The stated central aim of the

framework is, “to provide a platform to realise the rights of children and young people

in Ireland, so that all partners can work effectively together to ensure children and

young people can thrive” (p.4).7 It is a successor to the previous Better Outcomes,

Brighter Futures framework and aspires to the same five national outcomes for

children and young people, as follows:

1.Active and healthy

2.Achieving in learning and development

3.Safe and protected from harm

4.Economic security and opportunity

5.Connected, respected and contributing to their world

The new Young Ireland framework also identifies a number of ‘spotlights’, where

“greater, more focused attention is required in some areas where children and young

people are struggling” (p.42). These spotlights are:

•(The establishment of) the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office

•Child and youth mental health and well-being

•Disability services

More specific policies will be outlined in the individual topic chapters that follow. It is

important to note that at time of writing in January 2025, a new programme for

government was in development following the general election on 29th November,

this report that summarises some of the main commitments relating to families and

children. This could mean that there will be new policy initiatives relevant to young

children in place by the time the survey of Cohort 24 at age 3 takes place in 2027.

1.4Conceptual Framework