Submission on poverty - The reality of recession

THE theory surrounding our catastrophe is one thing, it is cold and often impenetrably academic, but yesterday the Society of St Vincent de Paul put flesh on the consequences of our excesses in a chastening way.

In their pre-budget submission they pointed to the dreadful situation facing anyone depending on social welfare. The organisation has a long and proud history and it cannot be ignored when it offers advice in its area of expertise.

Last year the Society faced an increase of 35% in the number of calls for help and spent €66 million trying to help individuals or families in the awful grip of poverty and it expects to surpass that figure this year.

Like every other enterprise, official, private or charitable the society is straining to meet its obligations. What an indictment it is of our behaviour, greed and foolishness that in 2010 the Society should be able to point to such terrible deprivation and unfairness.