Credit Union survey highlights financial hardship of Irish citizens

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said figures published today by the Irish League of Credit Unions showing the disposable income of Irish citizens are a clear illustration of the growing financial hardship facing thousands of hard pressed families.

Deputy Crowe said: “The 2011 “What’s Left” tracker findings show that over 1.6 million people in Ireland have now just €100 to spare at the end of each month. The Credit Union survey found that many people feel they are just “living to work”, with 41% believing there is no longer a future for them or their family in Ireland.

“What this survey also shows is that a significant percentage of our working population are struggling to keep their heads above water. Yet on the same day these findings are published, Government Ministers are telling us that householders may have to pay €300 for the installation of water meters.

“Other findings contained in the survey show that 28% of people cannot afford to pay the household charge; 46% are unable to save money and that 45% are struggling with their car finances as a result of increased fuel prices and the cost of motoring in general.

“All of this highlights the growing despair of people who are being pushed further and further into poverty yet the Government continues to impose crippling austerity measures on those who simply cannot pay.

“The Credit Union survey makes for depressing reading and it must act as a wake-up call for the Government that must prioritise its citizens instead of paying billions into toxic banks.”