Four new Flash Reports prepared by the European Social policy Network (ESPN) are now available and provide information on recent social policy developments in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Ireland.

• Appropriate support and accommodation for unaccompanied and separated minors coming to Bulgaria is missing. Reception systems vary greatly in quality and often pose protection risks. A new working group formed by representatives of governmental institutions, international organisations and civil society organisations has been set up to improve coordination between the national and local child protection authorities, make the institution of guardianship more efficient and guarantee that unaccompanied minors have effective access to health, educational and social services.
• To improve the economic situation of families with two or more children and increase the birth rate, the Czech government has recently approved a draft bill reducing social insurance premiums for households with children. The bill has been criticized by various parties since it could reinforce discourage women from working. It is currently being discussed in Parliament.
• In March 2017, Irish Travellers were officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority. This has practical and symbolic significance in the Irish setting – especially opening the way for Travellers to be included in culture-related policy such as anti-discrimination and anti-racism measures.
• In a context of persistent undersupply of childcare, high costs and deep sensitivity around not undermining childcare by stay-at-home mothers, a new system of streamlining the funding for out-of-home childcare – the Affordable Childcare Scheme - will be introduced in Ireland in September 2017.