New commitments to examine poverty and inequality are made in a national action plan published yesterday by the Government as part of an EU-wide initiative.
Similar national plans have been prepared by the 14 other EU member-states as part of a process of drawing up common objectives at community level. Yesterday was the deadline for the plans to be submitted to the EU.
Ireland's two-year National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion also proposes carrying out research on migrants.
The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, said the publication of the plan was "the beginning of the most determined effort yet by EU governments to radically improve the situation of the most vulnerable people in our midst and enable them participate fully in society".
He said the plan was primarily grounded in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the National Development Plan and the actions ensuing from these programmes.
It was the result of a consultative process involving the social partners, Government departments and relevant agencies, he added.