Ireland records one of lowest levels of EU poverty

A report out today shows that Ireland now has one of the lowest levels of

poverty in the EU and is significantly lower than the US.

The study has been welcomed by the Minister for Social Welfare Dermot Ahern,

who said it confirmed that this country has one of the best social welfare

systems to ensure that people do not fall into poverty.

The study looks at poverty levels and dynamics in 14 countries and reveals

that the main reason for poverty here was due to unemployment.

However, it optimistically points out that almost 55% of people manage to

get out of poverty within a year.

The OECD report also noted that Governments are increasingly turning to strategies aimed at encouraging people to work.