CSO figures – a million people suffer enforced deprivation

The recent  Central Statistics Office survey on income and living conditions in Ireland is additional proof that the Government austerity led policies have impacted on more and more low and middle income families

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The recent survey by the Central Statistics Office has revealed that more than a million people suffered enforced deprivation in 2013, more than double the rate prior to the economic crash.

“This the reality behind all the statistics and announcements of growth and job creation, a grim reality which does not feature much in the mindset of this particular government.

“Recent EU Commission data also shows that Ireland has much higher levels of deprivation than most other comparable EU countries. At present, material deprivation in Ireland is 58% higher than the EU average.

“A quarter of our population in Ireland lives in material deprivation; and one in ten people now live in severe material deprivation.

“Taking this report with the one from the ESRI late last year, that suggest that those on the lowest incomes were found to have lost the greatest amount of household income as a result of Budget 2015. Unfortunately we can now see a terrible picture emerging.

“The ESRI have also stated that Budget 2015 will have its greatest impact – a reduction of 1 per cent in net household income  on the 10 per cent of households with lowest incomes. Contrast this with the top 10% of earners and you see their income increase by around 0.5% thanks to Budget 2015, (the bottom 10% are the biggest losers, likely to lose around 1% of income this year.)

“One other fact is also emerging that when poverty and deprivation are mentioned or feature on the Government radar or when a qualitative report is produced, it is quickly forgotten.

“It appears to be left to lie on some dusty hidden away shelf, marked In red – “no action to be taken.”