Pathway out of Poverty

Support our call for a budget that invests in key supports and services. A budget that will tackle poverty, inequality and social exclusion and improve living standards for all.

Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world, yet almost 800,000 people are living in poverty. 1 in 3 are children.

The long-term social and economic costs of poverty cannot be underestimated. We believe that all budgetary decisions should be equitable, fair and just. They should protect the vulnerable, address structural inequalities and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

Break the Cycle of Poverty

In Budget 2019, SVP is asking Government to help break the cycle of poverty by:

1. Benchmark social welfare at a sufficient level to lift people above the poverty line and provide them with a Minimum Essential Standard of Living. Deliver additional support for households with the deepest levels of income inadequacy. These include one-parent households, families with older children, people in direct provision and people aged under 26. 
2. Dramatically ramp up the delivery of social housing. Ensure that the planning and development of social housing units secures its long-term sustainability by providing necessary infrastructure and amenities. 
3. Make primary and secondary school genuinely free. Begin by restoring the capitation rates to 2010 levels and invest in the School Book Rental Scheme. Improve access to further education by reversing the cuts and changes to the SUSI grant. And expand eligibility to part-time students. 
4. Increase funding for the Affordable Childcare Scheme so that State subsidies are based on a realistic assessment. This will ensure the level is adequate to deliver accessible, quality environment for children; reduce the financial burden on parents and improve pay and conditions for staff.  
5. Invest in energy efficiency measures. And increase the value of the Fuel Allowance to help individuals and families living in energy-poor homes. 
6. Provide the requisite level of funding to begin implementing Sláintecare.