"Our fear is that the impact of the pandemic will be most acute for individuals and families already living in poverty," said SVP president Kieran Stafford.

Emerging issues with the economy now at almost ‘full employment’ are in-work poverty and the difficulty for people in rural areas in accessing employment.

“This report shows Ireland has a long way to go in creating pathways to sustainable, decent and family friendly employment which will address the growing issue of in-work poverty among lone parents” – Dr Tricia Keilthy, SVP.

The Cherishing All Equally 2016 report highlights how the proportion of children living in consistent poverty in Ireland rose from 6.3% in 2008 to 11.2% in 2014.

“A strategy is needed to ensure that every household and family in Ireland has an income which is adequate to meet their needs."

Charities welcome budget's benefits and focus on job creation.