Anti-poverty groups can make a "very valuable" contribution to policy in Ireland and must be given the resources to allow them contribute, a campaign group said today.
A conference organised by Combat Poverty in Dublin heard that people living in poverty play a vital role in informing policies to tackle poverty.
"Commitments contained in national policies, such as the National Action Plans for Social Inclusion and the National Partnership Agreements, have resulted in the broadening of opportunities for people to contribute to policy formation," said acting director of Combat Poverty Kevin O'Kelly.
The conference will be addressed by Minister of State at the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey.
A book by journalist Susan McKay, entitled Silent People and Other Stories, has been published by Combat Poverty to coincide with the conference. It features interviews with people who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion.