SVP annual report - Chance for fair society squandered

There is something seriously wrong with the system when, in the midst of unprecedented affluence, more and more families are dependent on the charity of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP).

Its annual expenditure in 2004, the last year for which figures are available, was €34.4 million.

Last year, SVP spent around 10% of its money helping families to send their children to school by paying for books and uniforms. They also helped to finance adults at third-level institutions.