POOR public services and low wages are behind Ireland having the highest proportion of poor people in the EU, despite being the second wealthiest country with one of the lowest numbers out of work.

POOR public services and low wages are behind Ireland having the highest proportion of poor people in the EU, despite being the second wealthiest country with one of the lowest numbers out of work.

DESPITE the unprecedented wealth of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon — now a dim and distant memory as industry declines and thousands of jobs are lost — the stark reality is that poverty remains a dark blot on the conscience of society.

Ireland has the worst poverty rate in the EU, an anti poverty group claimed today.

THE EU Directive on the Internal Market in Services could be one of the most important EU decisions for some time.