A total of 270,000 adults in Ireland are earning less than 60 per cent of the Average Industrial Wage (IR£322.94), according to a new survey published today.
At this level of income, according to the survey published by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, the risk of poverty is severe with diet and clothing being amongst the first things to be affected.
Entitled "One Long Struggle", it was conducted across 118 households in Dublin and consisted of in-dept personal interviews with 75 people were questioned on their income and spending habits.
Its findings show:
- Food and housekeeping are the most costly items of expenditure.
- Healthy diet impossible on inadequate income.
- The shortfall of majority of people dependent on social welfare is not due to bad management but "totally inadequate income.
- Current Social Welfare rates are a major barrier to moving out of poverty.
The survey recommended using the Budgets Standards Approach, Social Welfare rates should be for:
- A single person minimum rate to be £145
- A lone Parent/one child rate to be £200
- Child Benefit per child to be £100
- Child Dependent Allowance to rise by £20 per week
In light of the report, Mr Noel Clear, president of the Vincent de Paul Society called on the Government to make a firm commitment to implementing a more equitable social system.
"The research mirrors and confirms the experience of many Vincent de Paul members around the country" Mr Clear said.
"People of power and influence [must move] towards creating a more equitable and just society for all."