Budget €2.8bn for poor, says SVP

THE Society of Vincent de Paul (SVP) challenged the Government yesterday to provide €2.8 billion in next month’s Budget to help people who have gained least from the country’s recent prosperity.

Calls for help to the charity's Dublin head office alone jumped by 94% to 7,605 between January and September this year, reflecting the impact of the economic downturn on marginalised people and communities.

In some areas, SVP has been forced to increase its spending to assist people in need by over 20%. The society says its pre-Budget submission is based on the practical experience of its 9,000 voluntary members.