Indirect taxes ‘cause growing food poverty problem’

FOOD poverty is a growing problem in Ireland — one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

St Vincent de Paul (SVP) vice-president Professor John Monaghan said the consequence of the move from direct to indirect taxation in this country was that people on low disposable incomes found themselves paying tax on things not previously taxed. "Remember, low income families spend about a third of their income on food," he said.

"In real terms, they spend a lot less euros than you and I, and the consequence of that is they tend to spend it on food that is convenient and easy - so they will buy burgers, chips, bread - but they tend not buy fruit and vegetables.