Huge gap between the haves and the have-nots

Ireland has allowed a vast difference to grow between the haves and have-nots that cannot be justified by the weakness of the economy, a study of social justice among EU countries has revealed.

The growing number of poor people in crisis-hit countries and among young people threatens the existence of the EU, warned the prestigious German think-tank which carried out the study.

As the economy picks up — with Ireland having one of the highest rates of growth in the EU — the study says the Republic is one of the biggest losers when it comes to growing poverty and inequality.