SILC Data Published Thursday 25th November
SILC Data Published Thursday 25th November
Legacy from 2010 European Year Against Poverty will be to drive more people deeper into poverty
Thursday, 25th November: Statistics released today by the Central Statistics Office show that the current crisis has driven more people into extreme poverty, with almost one in four households in arrears with their household bills at some time during 2009, and one in ten households falling into debt in the same period.
According to the statistics released in the CSO EU – Survey of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) for 2009 progress made towards the target of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016 took a turn for the worse when levels rose from 4.2% in 2008 to 5.5%. Particular increases were noted for children under 17 years, households headed by an unemployed person, those in rented accommodation and for students amongst others.
Levels of consistent poverty for lone parent households remain consistently high, while those at risk of poverty remained largely unchanged, down from 14.4 % to 14.1%. However the percentage of those in material deprivation – i.e. unable to afford basic requirements such as adequate meals, clothing or shoes for children – went up by 25%. Over 17% of the population are now unable to afford at least two of these basic essentials.
Paul Ginnell, Policy and Support Worker with EAPN Ireland, stated that ‘the level of poverty in Ireland is completely unacceptable and the Government’s four year plan published yesterday shows that the Government is only paying lip service to what it says is a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. It is clear that in this European Year Against Poverty and Social Exclusion the Government has no commitment to its own target of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016’
Alongside plans to cut public services and other charges the Government’s National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 includes plans to cut social welfare payments, reduce the minimum wage and to bring those on low pay (over €15,300) into the tax net by 2014. The 2009 EU-SILC shows that without social transfers in the form of welfare benefits the numbers at risk of poverty would be at 43%, more than three times their current levels.
Mr Ginnell highlighted that ‘while the goal of most people is to have a decent job large numbers are dependent on social welfare payments and these people must be able live with dignity. However, current social welfare payments are well below this level and further reductions will drive more people deeper into poverty.’
Earlier this year, the Irish Government signed up to a new EU Strategy, which includes a commitment to lift 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020. Under this commitment Ireland will have to agree a poverty reduction target for the next ten years.
Mr Ginnell stated that ‘members of the Oireachtas need to be aware of all their EU commitments, not just on fiscal stability but also on their social obligations and the Government must be held accountable if they fail to reach these EU agreed poverty targets.’ He further urged the Government not to implement policies outlined in the National Recovery Plan that can lead to increased poverty for those who are already living on or close to the margins.
Mr Ginnell concluded that ‘cutting social welfare levels, increasing the tax burden on the lowest paid and cutting essential public services can only result in greater poverty for more people. This will not assist in our economic recovery. Alternative approaches have been proposed by the Community Platform, Claiming our Future and other organisations which would result in greater equality and a more sustainable future for Irish society. It is not just a question of money, but rather of political commitment to the poorest in society’.
- Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU SILC) were released today at 11.00am by the CSO. These can be viewed here.
- The link to the full Government National Recovery Plan is available here.
Tags: 2010 European Year Against Poverty and Social Inclusion, Social Inclusion Division, Social Inclusion Forum
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