Growing Up in Ireland is the national longitudinal cohort study of children that commenced in 2006. The study has followed two groups of Irish children: Cohort ’98 (so-called because most of them were born in 1998; formerly called the ‘Child Cohort’); and Cohort ’08 (most of whom were born a decade later in 2008; formerly called the ‘Infant Cohort’). The primary aim of the study is to provide a strong evidence base to improve the understanding of children’s and young people’s health and development across a range of domains. This information is used to inform government policy in relation to children, young people and their families.

This report gives details of the data collection and research methods used.

The study covers a broad range of child outcomes with a view to documenting how well children and young people in Ireland are developing. In so doing, it can facilitate comparison with findings from similar studies of children in other countries, as well as establishing typical patterns for children in Ireland. Being longitudinal in nature, the study also addresses developmental trajectories over time and explores the factors that most affect those trajectories and the life chances of children in Ireland today. By providing comprehensive data on a representative national sample of Irish children, the study informs and contributes to the setting of responsive policies and the design of services for children and their families.