Calls to the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) have increased by up to 30 per cent with one in four coming from new callers the charity said today.
And they said there is a “real fear” among social welfare recipients and families on low income at what the forthcoming budget will bring.
Speaking ahead of the charity’s pre-budget submission launch today SVP National Vice President, John Monaghan said while he recognises the Government must seek expenditure cuts there is “no moral or economic justification’ to cuts in social welfare or pension payments.
He said: “Ireland is the second most expensive country in Europe for food, deflation has not changed that.
“In addition the main costs incurred by those on social welfare and on low pay continue to increase; transport costs for example, bus fare are up 12 per cent and train fares 8.7 per cent this year.
“While interest rates are down the rents for social housing and payments by people on rent supplement have increased in the past year,” he added.
The charity will launch its pre-budget submission in Dublin this afternoon.