Charity calls for extra cash for poor

St Vincent de Paul says that Ireland's poorest people should be paid at least €15 a week more as the cost of living has increased so much recently.

St Vincent De Paul maintain that the poorest have been struggling on inadequate incomes.

They are arguing that with the increases in ESB charges, doctors fees and other increases, life is getting harder for those who are already on the borderline.

The Society of the St Vincent de Paul now say that under the new National Pay Agreement, an extra amount should be allotted to Ireland's poorest.