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.

“Our Church cannot function effectively without income. Please support in whatever way you can,” said a statement issued by one Dublin parish.

“Catholic charities have first-hand experience of how the limit can put essentials such as food, rent and utility bills beyond reach, with devastating consequences,” says Bishop Moth.

‘We don’t believe that this budget protects those most vulnerable in the event of a No-Deal Brexit,’ says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

A report from the Crosscare Migrant Project says inconsistencies in how the social welfare assessments of returned emigrants are made must be addressed.

Will the small improvements in supports and services have a meaningful impact on families and children living in poverty? Unfortunately, the answer is NO

Investing €400m on rural broadband would have better impact on productivity than tax cuts.

SJI warns that 18 percent of adults living in poverty in Ireland are employed - the “working poor”.

“Urgent reform is required to avoid the creation of an unjust two-tier system in which the needs of those waiting for status for many years are overlooked.”

“This is not the time for tax cuts. All available resources should be used to address Ireland’s major deficits in areas such as caring, housing and poverty."

Newstalk radio documentary looks at the plight of children with special needs abandoned because their families don't have the means to take care of them.

Need for legislation to create ‘rent certainty’ in the private rented sector which would counter rent inflation.

SVP says Social Welfare representatives dealing with rent increases do not have sufficient authority to increase rent supplement.