A LARGE increase in food prices here in Ireland has pushed many vulnerable families back into acute poverty. The situation is being aggravated by rising fuel costs. At the same time, while the economy slows and tax revenues decline, public services are coming under pressure and necessary supports are being withheld. The traditional pattern of crude Government belt-tightening that effects the most needy is again being played out.
A succession of official reports identified poverty, inadequate education and social deprivation as major contributors to anti-social behaviour and crime, particularly among young people. Two out of every five single -parent families live in relative poverty. They are by far the most vulnerable group in society and they require special attention and assistance. Investment in pre-school and primary education, particularly in disadvantaged areas, must be prioritised, as should the provision of additional healthcare and community facilities.
Voluntary agencies play a vital role in supplementing State services and in reaching out to help the most marginalised. The largest of these organisations, the St Vincent de Paul Society, has drawn attention to the fact that the cost of basic food items has grown at a much faster rate than social welfare payments. An Oireachtas committee has been told that the circumstances of people in low-paid jobs and families dependent on social welfare have deteriorated sharply in recent months.
Good quality social housing is of prime importance in breaking the cycle of deprivation. But social housing targets have not been met. It will require a co-ordinated effort by local authorities and Government agencies to deal with sub-standard private accommodation. Significant progress was made in recent years in reducing homeless numbers but moving those people off the streets by subsidising private rented accommodation has brought its own problems. A rent supplement system costing €420 million a year, without effective control of housing standards, simply encourages abuse by unscrupulous landlords.
Social welfare spending was due to rise by about 10 per cent this year. But bread and milk prices have grown by more than double that figure and there is no certainty that services will not be cut in future to take account of falling revenues. Brian Cowen has a sound record in providing for the least well off. As he prepares to take over as Taoiseach, he should resolve to prioritise efforts to break the cycle of poverty and deprivation that has blighted so many communities.