Reducing poverty in Ireland will only be achieved through systematic reform of the way Government policies are implemented, a State advisory body has said.
Minister for Social Affairs Seamus Brennan
Publishing its annual report for 2005, the Combat Poverty Agency called for a "whole of Government" approach to ensure targets to reduce poverty are realised.
"While Ireland has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce detailed national plans and strategies to tackle poverty, we have been less effective at ensuring that these plans are fully actioned," said director of Combat Poverty, Helen Johnston.
"If we are to become more effective at implementing policy we must start by setting clear goals and targets.
"The approach that Combat Poverty is recommending can bring about real change in the lives of people experiencing poverty and social inclusion in Ireland."
"Poverty and social exclusion impact on all of society as well as being a particular hardship for the individuals and groups directly affected. It is imperative that we not only produce national actions plans and strategies to take account of this reality but that we drive through their implementation."
Minister for Social Affairs Seamus Brennan said he hoped to shortly propose legislative changes that would introduce "progressive reforms" to help lone parents.
"We already know a lot about those who are experiencing serious poverty issues," he said.
"There are 80,000 lone parents, caring for 130,000 children, many of whom need help in escaping from welfare traps and encouragement on the paths of training, education and work," he said.
"The continued existence of child poverty in an Ireland of exceptional wealth is unacceptable and must be eliminated. There is also the impending pensions challenge, bringing with it the dangers of pensioner poverty, that we must confront and address."
Mr Brennan said achieving this social change would require "courageous reforms".
He also defended the Government's record on tackling poverty, saying some 250,000 people had been lifted out of deprivation and hardship as a result of "targeted measures and supports".