Families and individuals on low incomes, numbering up to 400,000 people, are facing real hardship as the winter approaches and they require special attention from the Government. Living in "relative poverty" throughout the State, these are a largely ignored and isolated group within our brash Celtic Tiger economy. But their case for recognition and financial assistance has been cogently made by the Society of St Vincent de Paul in a pre-budget submission.
Traditional levels of poverty have fallen rapidly within the past decade because of a rise in employment. But a hard core of out-of-work families and single parents, along with old, disadvantaged and homeless people, are still struggling - and failing - to make ends meet.
These are our most vulnerable citizens, who experience greater health problems and higher mortality rates than the rest of us. They are most exposed to rising costs and to any downturn in the economy. And they are in urgent need of help. Other low-income families are also struggling to get by and require a more targeted approach.
Members of the St Vincent de Paul visit these people in their homes on a voluntary basis and witness their poverty, frustration and despair at first hand. As a result, they favour a more equal sharing of wealth to counteract the disadvantage that is blighting many communities. In particular, the society is seeking an increase in social welfare benefits that will reflect rising costs for such basic necessities as food, light and fuel. It complains that Ireland has one of the lowest old-age pension rates in Europe. It urges the provision of 10,000 social housing units a year for the homeless. And it proposes that minimum accommodation standards should be enforced within the private rented sector.
The ill and the disabled are particularly disadvantaged. But health and education costs represent a heavy burden on low-income families. The society wants the Government to freeze medical charges and to radically increase the number of full medical cards. It favours a new back-to-school allowance; the provision of free schoolbooks and remedial action to deal with early school-leavers.
The Government is well aware of what is required to create a more caring and equal society. It has a bookshelf of official reports on the subject. Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has introduced a more compassionate note in recent budgets, but the imbalances created by his predecessor remain. The Exchequer is not short of money. In such "good times", those who have gained least from economic growth should be given their day in the sun.