CORI demands anti-poverty moves in new partnership deal

The Conference of Religious in Ireland has called for the issues of poverty, inequality and social exclusion to be comprehensively tackled in any new social partnership deal.

The organisation has warned that many social problems still exist in Ireland, despite the progress of recent years.

Spokesman Fr Sean Healy said action was needed to improve social housing provisions, public transport, healthcare, education, social care and employment services.

He also said CORI wanted increases in social welfare and measures to help low-income families struggling to make ends meet.