A child-designed sculpture featuring a snail and its shell will give a powerful visual meaning to the European Child Guarantee as EU representatives meet in Ireland on 24 and 25 September 2026. The artwork highlights the importance of healthcare, housing and essential services for children at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
European Child Guarantee brought to life through children’s art
The sculpture was developed with the involvement of children and young people, including children who have experienced hospital stays. During the design process, they described the comfort of bringing a sense of home with them into hospital. The snail and its shell emerged as a symbol of safety, security and belonging because the animal carries its home wherever it goes.
Created by artist Helen O’Connell, the finished work represents two central priorities of the European Child Guarantee: healthcare and housing. The creative process was facilitated by The Ark, a Dublin cultural centre dedicated to helping children experience and engage with art.
The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure children facing poverty or social exclusion can access:
- Early childhood education and care
- Education and healthcare
- Adequate housing
- Healthy nutrition
Irish Presidency meeting focuses on prevention and inclusion
The two-day meeting is being co-hosted by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. Officials from across the EU will examine prevention, early intervention and inclusion in early-years services.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said the Government remained committed to ensuring that every child could access the supports and services needed to thrive. She also said Ireland’s first National Policy on Prevention and Early Intervention is being developed, with broad stakeholder consultation planned to ensure it reflects the practical challenges facing children and families.
Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins is due to open the event. She described the sculpture as a reminder that policy discussions ultimately focus on giving children the security and support necessary to thrive.
Tusla and European partners contribute
Delegates will discuss ways to prevent difficulties from becoming more serious and will consider inclusion in early-years settings. Kate Duggan, CEO of Tusla, and MEP Hristo Petrov, chair of a European Parliament working group on the European Child Guarantee, are among those addressing the meeting.
A parallel event organised by the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tusla and Eurofound will bring civil society organisations together to consider the same issues. Participants from both events will join a shared discussion on common challenges, practical solutions and opportunities for cooperation.
How Ireland is implementing the Guarantee
In Ireland, the European Child Guarantee forms part of Young Ireland, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. Its implementation is overseen through Young Ireland’s governance structures, linking the initiative to Ireland’s wider approach to children’s rights, equality and public services.
The meeting also reflects the role of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in coordinating policies affecting children and families. Other public bodies, including Tusla and the Health Service Executive, have important roles in delivering supports connected to child welfare, health and inclusion.
Why early intervention matters
Early intervention can help children and families receive support before challenges escalate. The Irish Presidency discussions will provide an opportunity to compare approaches across Europe, identify effective policies and strengthen cooperation between governments, public agencies and civil society.
The central message of the sculpture is simple: children need security, care and a stable foundation in order to flourish. By putting children’s experiences at the heart of the European Child Guarantee, Ireland’s meeting aims to connect policy commitments with the realities of everyday life.
Key takeaway: The European Child Guarantee meeting in Ireland combines children’s creative voices with practical policy discussions on healthcare, housing, education, nutrition and early intervention.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
