The number of people thought to be at risk of poverty in the Republic increased from 16 per cent in 1994 to almost 22 per cent by 2001, according to the first annual report on the National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion.
The report, compiled by the Office for Social Inclusion, outlines the progress to date being made across Government departments in tackling poverty and in meeting the EU objectives to eradicate poverty by 2010.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mr Brennan said progress has been "uneven" and since the causes of poverty are many, working to eradicate it requires co-ordinated action across a range of different policy areas including employment, social welfare, education, health, housing and equality.
The Minister said that despite substantial welfare rate increases, it has not been possible to ensure that the income of those dependent on social welfare keep adequate pace with overall income increases.
He said he was confident that the 2007 target of €200 per week for social welfare pension rates would be met, but added that the key to keeping pace with overall increases in income for those of working age is employment.
The number of people deemed at risk of poverty has increased over the last few years, the report found. Almost 16 per cent of the population was thought to be at risk in 1994 but this increased to almost 22 per cent by 2001.
Just one in twenty of the elderly was below the relative income poverty line in 1994 but this was nearly one in two by 2001.
The Department of Social Affairs will spend over €12 billion next year on actions outlined to eradicate poverty in the National Action Plan, said Mr Brennan.
The plan outlines measures to help vulnerable workers including adjusting the national minimum wage to €7 an hour from February 1st next.
The Office for Social Inclusion is the Government Office with overall responsibility for developing, co-ordinating and driving the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion.