The Social Justice Ireland report, Poverty Focus 2018, concludes that, overall, 1 in every 6 people in Ireland today live on incomes below the poverty line, making up 16.5% of the population.
The research found 780,000 people live in poverty in Ireland today – over a quarter being children (26.5%).
More than 104,000 working Irish people are at risk of poverty, according to the report.
Dr Seán Healy, CEO of Social Justice Ireland said at the launch of the report:
"If people in employment can't be guaranteed a life free from poverty, then there is something seriously wrong. We have been saying for quite some time now that Ireland's social contract is broken. This is further proof. The priorities of our policy makers should reflect the will of the people. This is not the will of the Irish people. Policy makers need to take action."
Eamon Murphy, Economic & Social Analyst with Social Justice Ireland, said:
"Workers rights are not being protected when 104,000 people can have a job but still be at risk of poverty. Who is to be held responsible? Surely it must be employers availing of precarious employment contracts and low pay. Who is going to take responsibility for ensuring a job is always a route out of poverty, not into it? That should surely be the most basic function of our Government."
No comments:
Post a Comment