CORI has urged the Government to prioritise fairness and develop credible targets in its review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) which is expected to be published soon.
The Justice Commission of the Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI), also said the NAPS target for the lowest social welfare payment should be 30 per cent of the gross average industrial wage, and that this target could be reached by 2007.
According to CORI, society is measured by how it treats it’s most vulnerable people.
CORI spokesman, Fr Sean Healy said: "Sufficient resources exist now to ensure that every man, woman and child in Ireland has enough income to live with dignity."
CORI welcomed the reduction in unemployment in recent years and especially the reduction in long-term unemployment.