The Combat Poverty Agency last Friday marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by highlighting the challenges faced by Ireland in meeting its poverty targets. The UN designated day, celebrated each year on October 17th, aims to emphasise the struggles faced by poor people throughout the world.
Combat Poverty is a statutory organisation responsible for advising the Irish Government on policies to reduce poverty in Ireland. The agency works to ensure that the elimination of poverty remains a national priority and that economic and social policies focus on improving the lives of the most vulnerable in Irish society.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an opportunity to assess how Ireland is doing in relation to its poverty reduction targets. Kevin O'Kelly, Acting Director of Combat Poverty, said the government has made a commitment to eliminate consistent poverty by 2016 and it is more important now than ever before that this commitment is met.
"On 17th October, people living in poverty in Ireland and around the world are encouraged to speak out about their experiences and the wider community are encouraged to listen and show solidarity," he said.
"There are currently 300,000 people in Ireland living in consistent poverty. This means they are deprived of basic necessities, such as adequate heat, food and clothing. Over one third of those living in consistent poverty are under the age of 16. Clearly, the government has a lot to do if it is to meet its own target of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016."
Mr O'Kelly said the Budget announced last week failed to demonstrate the type of radical thinking needed to eliminate consistent poverty.
"Unfortunately, last Tuesday's Budget threatens to undermine the progress that has been made in recent years towards meeting poverty targets," he said. "The income levy and VAT increases, for example, will hit low income households the hardest, while the welfare increases are not sufficient to meet the rising costs associated with inflation.”
"A key principle of the UN Day is to involve people with direct experience of poverty in finding solutions to poverty and promoting relevant issues. To this end, Combat Poverty has provided support on an annual basis to various groups throughout Ireland to enable them to mark the Day. Events highlighting poverty are taking place throughout the world today, and we are delighted that Irish groups can also play their part."
Activities supported by Combat Poverty to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty this year included a public seminar and children’s exhibition in Knockanrawley Resource Centre in Tipperary town to promote awareness of poverty in the local community. Also, an exhibition of arts and crafts produced by members of the Travelling community in Arklow to race awareness of issues facing Travellers in their daily lives.
