The State's anti-poverty agency has said poverty could be possibly be eliminated if the right choices are made in coming years. Combat Poverty advises the Government on how to tackle poverty.
Publishing its strategic plan for the next two years, the agency said while the living standards of the poorest had risen during the economic boom, the gap between rich and poor had widened. The agency said that Ireland now has a window of opportunity to deal with poverty.
Combat Poverty said that gaps in the provision of public services must be filled. It highlighted four crucial areas: the two-tier health system; education; access to housing, and childcare.
The agency called for tax and welfare policy to be "more balanced towards the less well off". Agency Director, Helen Johnston, said the battle against poverty was now at a crossroads. She said that any incoming Government after the next election would have to ensure adequate resources for the harsher economic environment ahead.
