The Central Statistics Office (CSO) data on Enforced Deprivation shows almost 900,000 people were going without basics prior to the pandemic – an increase of over 140,000 from the previous year. More than one in five children are now experiencing enforced deprivation.

The European bishops hope that “the recovery fund will help the weakest economies, the economies most touched by the pandemic to grow, and to be there for people... so that also the next generation can live in peace and in certain prosperity,” said Cardinal Hollerich.

Without specific government intervention there is little chance of an increase in the number of disabled people with jobs.

One in ten workers are on the minimum wage, twice what was previously estimated.

“Budget 2018 should be designed so that it is both economically sound and socially fair. These twin objectives are both realistic and achievable. However, they need to be underpinned by a clear policy commitment to achieving both” – Dr Seán Healy.