Limerick Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection Willie O’Dea has said that an ESRI report published today demonstrates that there is a need by the Government to make a concerted effort to address deprivation amongst vulnerable groups.
O’Dea said “I welcome today’s research which reveals that there is a notable gap in the rate of persistent deprivation experienced by vulnerable adults, including lone parents and adults with a disability, and the rate experienced by other adults.
“The research findings show that the persistent deprivation rate is 26 percentage points higher among lone parents and 14 percentage points higher for adults with a disability than for other adults.
“While I am disappointed by the findings, I am not surprised, as they once again underscore what many other reports have found – the need for the Government to make a concerted effort to end the high deprivation levels amongst lone parent households and adults with a disability.
“Crucially, as the economy begins to recover, the Government must intervene to ensure that the gap does not widen any further.
“Whilst this report covers the period 2004-2015, Fine Gael has been in Government for the last seven years. It is clear from the latest SILC data available that the rate of progress in terms of addressing poverty and social exclusion particularly amongst vulnerable households is far too slow.
“The reality is that for thousands of people there is still no recovery and Ireland under this Fine Gael led Government is still a far cry from the Taoiseach’s vision of a ‘Republic of Opportunity’.
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