SVP spent record amount on helping poor last year

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul says it spent a record amount of money last year helping people experiencing poverty.

The society is launching its annual Christmas appeal today and needs to raise at least €3.5m to provide for families across the country.

Despite Ireland's economic success, it says the number of people on the breadline is not falling and the society is actually spending more money than ever.

SVP president Mairead Bushnell says high mortgage repayments means there are many more people who can't afford basic necessities.