For children growing up in these areas it is impossible to get a fair start in life. The Progressive Democrats want these children to succeed. We want them to share in the economic success. To do that, we must put more money into the schools in which they learn and into the communities in which they live. Investment in education is vital if we are to break that cycle of disadvantage.
Education is the passport to prosperity.
That's why we must ensure that every child in this country has a fair chance to avail of the opportunities which are now on offer. The Progressive Democrats in Government will ensure it. It will require early intervention and heavy investment and we will make it. I want to commit the Progressive Democrats to getting rid, once and for all, of child poverty. That is a bold objective.