• to describe the lives
of children in Ireland, in order to establish what is typical and normal as well as what is atypical and problematic; • to chart the development
of children over time, in order to examine the progress and wellbeing
of children at critical periods from birth to adulthood; • to identify the key factors that, independently
of others, most help or hinder children's development; • to establish the effects
of early
childhood experiences on later life; • to map dimensions
of variation in children's lives; • to identify the persistent
adverse effects that lead to social disadvantage and exclusion, educational difficulties, ill health and deprivation; • to obtain children's views and opinions on their lives; • to provide a bank
of data on the whole child; and to provide evidence for the
creation of effective and responsive policies and services for children and families; • to provide evidence for the
creation of effective and responsive policies and services for children and families.