‘Political courage’ can combat poverty

POLITICAL courage and leadership is urgently needed to tackle society’s deep-rooted economic problems, a leading charity claimed yesterday.

Launching its pre-budget submission, the Society of St Vincent De Paul demanded the Government take action to break the poverty cycle faced by almost 300,000 people nationwide. It is calling for social support increases, from welfare and child benefit to financial help with household, healthcare and educational costs.

Mairéad Bushnell, SVP national president, said:

“St Vincent de Paul rejects the notion that any level of poverty is acceptable in 21st century Ireland. Political courage and leadership is needed to remove the inequality and social barriers faced by far too many in this country.”

Among its demands, the charity is calling on the Government to raise the adult social welfare rate by €18 to €203.80 per week, increase monthly child benefit, to roll out a targeted savings scheme for low-income households, and to provide free school books for pupils over a five-year period, starting in 2008.

In housing, it wants the target of 8,700 social housing units per year for 2008 and 2009 to be met.

Full medical cards should also be provided for 35% of the population by 2012, based on those on the lowest income levels.

“The least we expect is that budget decisions are targeted to support the most disadvantaged in our communities,” Ms Bushnell added.

John Monaghan, St Vincent de Paul vice president, said the electorate was tired of vague promises and targeted action was needed.

Meanwhile, in a separate move, anti-smoking body ASH Ireland yesterday called on the Government to increase by €2 the cost of a packet of cigarettes.