Almost 800,000 people are living below the poverty line, the president of St Vincent de Paul has revealed.
More than 1,000 charity members gathered yesterday in Dublin’s Convention Centre to celebrate its 175-year anniversary.
President Michael D Higgins, a long-term supporter of SVP and its work, helped launch the event.
Since its foundation in 1844, the charity has helped serve the poorest and most vulnerable people in local communities.
But national president Kieran Stafford took the opportunity to highlight the crippling conditions hundreds of thousands still face – including working people.
He said: “Sadly today we still see poverty in many different situations and circumstances.
“There are nearly 800,000 living below the poverty line – including 100,000 people at work.
“There are also record numbers of homeless, with 50% of lone-parent families experiencing deprivation and 61% of families struggling with education costs.
“We know and meet the people behind the figures every week.”
President Higgins praised the work of SVP and insisted the numbers of people living in poverty must go down.
He added: “Many people, individuals and families, face a myriad of challenges in today’s Ireland.
“Despite the measures that may suggest an improvement in our economy, there are still too many people struggling, too many living in consistent poverty.
Lone parents in Ireland are being ignored by the State, St Vincent de Paul claims
“This has to change. We need to continue the work to make Ireland a more equal place to live and to work, where caring for each other and our children, older people and people with disabilities is a core value, where individuals, families and communities can participate fully in work and society.”
Also speaking was Katriona O’Sullivan, who shared her journey of going from a young homeless mother to being a university lecturer with a PhD and an equality advocate.
The SVP operates 10 hostels, seven resource centres and more than 800 social housing units throughout the country, as well as 227charity shops.
It also provides exam revision classes, after-school activities, homework clubs and breakfast clubs.
