OVER £123,000 is being spent each week by the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Dublin, a 16 per cent increase on last year.
Demand in the capital for its services had now reached an all time high, Mr Larry Tuomey, president of the Dublin region, said at the introduction of the charity's annual Christmas appeal.
These demands came largely from the areas of concentrated local authority housing in the city.
Unemployment above 60 per cent was common in these areas, where people had lifestyles "far below those of more mixed communities", excluding them from critical areas such as education and training.
"Consequently, we welcome our participation in the negotiations on a new national agreement and call for part of the benefits of economic growth to be directed over the next three years towards ensuring greater social inclusion in Irish society," said Mr Tuomey.
Public financial support for the Dublin Society of St Vincent de Paul reached almost £4.4 million in the year. From an expenditure of £6.4 million, cash assistance was more than £1.7 million, with food, clothing and fuel accounting for more than £1.5 million.
Contributions from the charity's own members, who gave almost £89,000, more than covered the administration costs for the year.
The charity had helped 70 people start their own business, employing 120 people and has filled critical gaps in the education area, said Mr Tuomey.