One in five old age pensioners live in relative poverty. That figure doubles for single-parent families. Such a level of deprivation represents the unacceptable face of the Celtic Tiger. In spite of the economic strides made over the past decade, the needs of the underprivileged have not been adequately met. Now, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has called on the Minister for Finance to address what it calls "gaping inequities" in his coming budget.
Mr Cowen displayed a social conscience in the past by providing for needy people. The percentage of the population at risk of poverty fell. The slowdown in the economy and declining government revenues will put him under particular political pressure on this occasion. It is all the more reason why those most at risk of experiencing acute poverty should receive higher levels of State assistance. Food and fuel prices are rising rapidly. The number out of work is edging upwards. Special attention should be focused on the removal of poverty traps and the direction of resources to those most in need in next week's Budget.
Poverty and deprivation come in different guises. The people directly affected lack political influence. They tend not to vote. They are disorganised, and as a result, their situation has not been given sufficient priority by government. There is, as the society says, a need for political courage and leadership at this time. As Tánaiste, Minister for Finance and taoiseach-in-waiting, Mr Cowen has an opportunity to display those characteristics while ensuring that the interests of social fairness and inclusiveness are served.
When governments experience financial difficulties, the traditional response has been to cut basic services. That must not happen on this occasion. Crude belt-tightening impacts most severely on low-income families.
Poverty and deprivation contribute to anti-social behaviour. Those at risk must be offered a rescue package. Education and skills-training is the most obvious approach. Pre-school and follow-up educational programmes should be put in place in deprived areas as a matter of urgency. Single parents need particular help. More and better social housing is needed. Youth clubs and attractive community facilities are required to wean young people away from joyriding and drug experimentation. Healthcare services for all age groups need to be improved. These measures may be expensive but, in slower times, they should be prioritised. If the Government fails to invest at this time, the long-term social consequences could be enormous.