Education deficit - Caught in a vicious circle

The link between social disadvantage, unemployment, poverty, welfare dependence and poor educational achievement is expressed in the starkest terms in last night’s social housing organisation Respond’s report.

It shows that only 4.7% of people aged 15 or over in the Cork City suburb of Knocknaheeny are educated to degree level or higher. The area has an unemployment rate of 25%, the highest on the city’s northside.

It is likely that similar statistics could be used to describe the poorest areas of any city anywhere.

Breaking trans-generational poverty endured because of poor education combined sometimes with a culture of low ambition and disenchantment has been a challenge for over a century. Last night’s report is chastening in that it shows how much remains to be done if all sections of society are to escape the poverty trap and have a chance to live with basic dignity.