Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
257. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rate of severe material deprivation here; the way in which this rate compares to the EU average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53414/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent EUROSTAT data shows that 7.5% of the population in Ireland was severely materially deprived in 2015, compared to the EU28 average rate of 8.1% (see Table 1). This is an improvement on 2014 where the rates were 8.4% and 8.9% respectively.
However, the full impact of the recovery is not reflected in these figures, which relate to 2015. Macro-economic and labour market indicators have shown continued economic and employment growth since then. Unemployment has fallen from 9.4% in mid-2015 to 6.1% now. The number of people in receipt of working-age income and employment supports has also continued to fall. Notwithstanding this, Budget 2018 introduced increases in a range of supports including €5 per week increases in the maximum weekly rate for working-age people and young jobseekers and for pensioners, with proportionate increases for adult dependents and an increase of €2 per child per week for qualified child dependents. These increases will assist those individuals and families who are most in need.
Given the continuing economic recovery throughout 2017 and the measures introduced in Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018, I expect the severe material deprivation figures for those years, when they become available, to show further improvement. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the economic recovery is experienced in all regions and by all families, households and individuals.
The Government’s strategy for addressing poverty and social exclusion is set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The Plan identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty. The Department is reviewing the Plan, as it reaches the end of its current term this year, with a view to developing an updated plan for future periods. The Department is also reviewing the national social target for poverty reduction. This review will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Table 1: Severe Material Deprivation Rate 2010 to 2015
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
|
Ireland |
5.7% |
7.8% |
9.8% |
9.9% |
8.4% |
7.5% |
|
EU-28 |
8.4% |
8.8% |
9.9% |
9.6% |
8.9% |
8.1% |
Source: EUROSTAT EU-SILC, various years. Extracted 11/12/2017.
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database
