Measures sought to protect risk groups from poverty

The Combat Poverty Agency is calling for measures to ensure vulnerable groups are not put at greater risk of poverty during the current economic downturn.

The agency's latest annual report is focusing on the Government's target to eliminate poverty by 2016.

The CPA says the Government has failed to tackle poverty in certain sectors of society, despite the enormous wealth created during the Celtic Tiger years.

It says poverty among lone-parent households actually increased last year and measures are needed to avoid a further increase due to the current economic problems.