Successor to PPF must provide for poor

The living standards of the poorest members of society must be protected in any agreement to succeed the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

The Society of St Vincent De Paul says people were struggling even during the boom years of the Celtic Tiger economy.

Now the group says increases in ESB charges, public transport fares, hikes in doctors' fees make it more difficult for people to cope.

Joan Monaghan of St Vincent De Paul says a new national agreement must make adequate provisions for low income households.