Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the new ESRI survey in relation to the persistent deprivation levels among lone parents and working-age adults with a disability. The ESRI study into deprivation in 11 EU countries between 2004 and 2015 shows a ‘significant gap’ in the rate of deprivation experienced by vulnerable adults in Ireland, more than any other of the countries surveyed.

The Sinn Féin TD described the survey’s findings as a call for action and said it again highlighted the two-tier nature of the so-called recovery.

Deputy Seán Crowe said

“The persistent deprivation rate for Lone Parents in Ireland is 26%. For adults with a disability, the rate is 14% higher than any other sectoral group. The persistent deprivation gap in Irish society between vulnerable adults and other adults has increased significantly over time and this highlights the two-tier nature of the so-called recovery.

“We now have an Indecon report, CSO Survey on Income & Living Conditions figures and this ESRI report telling us the same thing – lone parent families are experiencing severe deprivation and poverty, far greater than that experienced in two-parent families.

“In fact, the lead researcher in the report has said that interventions are particularly urgent in Ireland, as the data show that the deprivation gap is most pronounced here.

“The Taoiseach and his party have been in Government since 2011 and they have yet to address deprivation and poverty rates among the most vulnerable in our society.

“My party, Sinn Féin, have proposed the establishment of a Child Maintenance Service which has been proven in other jurisdictions to play a pivotal role in lifting children and families out of poverty. This is one practical and strategic step this Government could take to bring about transformative change for those stuck in generational poverty.”

ENDS