While not many people will uproot their family on the basis of this finding, it is nice to know that our little country is actually a great place to live in!
According to data published by Unicef, the International children’s rights organisation, Denmark has been ranked the best country to raise a family in.
Closely following Finland, Norway and Switzerland, Ireland ranks seventh on the list that looks at child inequality between rich and poor families on an international basis.
The Fairness for Children report compared inequalities in income, education, health and life satisfaction between children around the world.
However, while Ireland ranks seventh overall, it only comes in twentieth place when comparing the gap between rich and poor in terms of healthcare.
And, according to the same study, a whopping one-third of children living in the Republic of Ireland are deemed to be ‘deprived’.
The definition of ‘deprivation’ set out by the European Union is qualified when you cannot afford at least three items from a list of ‘essentials’ including:
- Housing
- Heating
- Utility bills
- A protein meal every second day
- The ability to face unexpected expenses
- A holiday
- A phone
- A TV
- A washing machine
- A car
