Growing up in Ireland

Last week I was delighted to address the 15th Annual Growing up in Ireland survey conference. Growing Up in Ireland (GUI), the national longitudinal study of children established in 2006. The study includes three cohorts of children. Cohort ’98 who were born in 1998 and are now 25 years of age and Cohort ’08 who were born in 2008 and are now 15 years of age.

The research is an invaluable resource. The breadth and diversity of research subjects covered by this study are truly remarkable. From investigating the relationship between gambling and mental health to understanding the impact of the pandemic on children, examining lone parent benefit reform, addressing issues of bullying, and delving into pregnancy complications and childhood mental health, this study provides a treasure trove of valuable data. Growing Up in Ireland provides Government with a way to measure the impact that policies and services are having on children and young people and asses where we need to make changes to improve outcomes.

This year is particularly significant as it marks the first time, since 2008, that Growing Up in Ireland will select new families and children to be interviewed. The commencement of the Pilot phase for a new birth group of 9-month-old babies and their families (Cohort '24) in October 2024. The new infant cohort underscores the impact of Growing Up in Ireland to date and a commitment to its future importance and value.

In previous conferences, I spoke about our future plans for the Study as it transitioned to our department and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Now that this transition is complete, and we are almost a year into the new delivery model. Throughout the year, our research team in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, along with our colleagues at the CSO, have been building on the excellent work initiated by the ESRI and Trinity College Dublin.

Our objective is to ensure that the insights derived from Growing Up in Ireland continue to inspire further research and inform policies and services that enhance the lives of our children and young people across Ireland.