SVP criticises Government's 'piecemeal' approach to battling poverty

Teresa Ryan, national president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, said: 'I remember a time when I could get shopping for a big family under €100. Now it’s €200. It’s phenomenal, the cost of living now.' Photo: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

The Government has been criticised for a “piecemeal” approach to tackling poverty in Ireland, as the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) issued its annual appeal for help to support struggling families this Christmas.

The charity’s national president Teresa Ryan said it has seen calls rise 7% in the year to October and the charity expects to receive 250,000 calls to its helpline seeking support overall this year.

“I think the Government have taken some measures, but we would consider that they’re not sufficient enough, because poverty is there and people are suffering,” she said.

“Where is the €10 (social welfare payment increase) going to go? If you see the shopping bills now, I remember a time when I could get shopping for a big family under €100. Now it’s €200. It’s phenomenal, the cost of living now.” 

SVP said the theme for its appeal this year is “the wonder of Christmas”. The wonder it refers to is families wondering how they will put food on the table, keep homes warm, and afford toys for their children.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

It has enlisted the support of popular figures such as Marty Whelan, Mary Kennedy, and TV show Traitors stars Paudie and Nick to support its campaign.

Although in the Budget announced last month, the Government introduced measures such as an increase in the Child Support Payment, allowing Working Family Payment recipients to get the Fuel Allowance and a €10 rise to social welfare payments, Ms Ryan said it was clear that rising inflation continues to affect families across the country.

“We work with a lot of families who have very little for Christmas and are wondering what on earth they will get for their children,” she said. “Will they have enough food on the table? Will they have heat?

“That type of thing is what we concern ourselves about every Christmas, make sure each family will have hope, and we provide that friendship and support.” 

Ms Ryan said they see low-income families and sometimes middle-income families who have tried to maintain the same standard of living but now cannot afford to as inflation has surged.

She said:

There are a lot of people coming to us that are saying ‘I’m ashamed’ or ‘I really don’t like asking’ and we have to reassure them and say we would absolutely support them.

“You’d find people who never, ever asked for help saying ‘oh there’s probably people worse off than me’.” 

SVP added it would be providing supports like food vouchers, money for light and heat in homes, and money for schoolbooks, uniforms and school transport as part of the money it receives for the appeal.

Depaul Christmas appeal

Separately, homelessness charity Depaul launched its Home for Christmas appeal as it called for donations to help support the aspiration of a long-term home for those without one this year.

“Every donation to Depaul this Christmas helps us lay the foundations for change: safe accommodation, a hot meal, mental health support, or the keys to a new beginning,” its director of services and development Dermot Murphy said.

“With enough public support, we can help more people find their way home.”