Book launch to highlight plight of poor

The plight of families living in poverty will be highlighted today at a book launch in Dublin.

'Silent People and Other Stories' will be unveiled at a conference hosted by the Combat Poverty Agency which brings to an end its three-year 'Having Your Say' programme.

Written by award-winning journalist Susan McKay, with photographs by Derek Speirs, the publication features interviews with people around the country who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

A range of techniques to build the capacity of people living in poverty to engage in the policy making process will also be discussed at the conference in Dublin Castle, while Minister of State at the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, will deliver a keynote address.