Survey calls for reduction in NI 'poverty gap'

A call for increased co-operation between voluntary organisations and Government in the abolition of poverty in Northern Ireland was made in Belfast today.

Speaking at the launch of a £100,000 survey into trans-generational poverty in the area Larry McArdle, regional president of St Vincent De Paul, said that the gap between rich and poor in Northern Ireland was growing wider, reflecting a global trend.

The report calls for immediate action by government, local government and voluntary agencies to attack the causes of poverty and to alleviate distress caused either by legislation or its implementation.

Professor Gerry McAleavy of the University of Ulster, and a key member of the research team, added: "The experience of disadvantage often occurs from one generation to the next, making it very difficult for families to emerge from the cycle of poverty.

"Although there may be many reasons why this happens, gathering information or evidence about the exact experiences of people in poverty, particularly families who are unable to break the cycle, will help us understand their lives more clearly and find better ways to help those suffering disadvantage.

"Hence support given by the St. Vincent de Paul may be more effectively targeted as the Society will have a greater understanding of the experiences of clients in all aspects of their lives and be better able to inform and influence government policy on poverty."

One out of four adults and one out of three children are estimated to suffer from the effects of poverty in both Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland where St Vincent De Paul has also been active from the early 19th century.

The survey, which was conducted on behalf of the Society by the University of Ulster over a two-year period, is the most comprehensive of its kind ever conducted.

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