The head of a leading charity has called for "political courage and leadership" ahead of next month's budget to help remove inequality and social barriers in Ireland.
In a pre-budget submission published today, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) called on the Government to target four areas to help redress what it describes as "gaping inequalities" in Irish society.
It wants spending to concentrate on welfare and tax supports, educational disadvantage, housing and homelessness, and improving access to health services.
Speaking at the publication of the charity's submission this afternoon, SVP president Mairéad Bushnell said: "Political courage and leadership is particularly needed at this time to remove the inequality and social barriers faced by far too many in this country".
Increased social welfare payments and assistance across a range of areas from household costs to educational access are the focus of the SVP submission.
"We recognise that not all the solutions to the problems of Irish society lie in Government hands," Ms Bushnell said.
But many of the most intractable problems can only be dealt with by targeted Government action if we're ever to see a more just society in this country", she added.
"The least we expect is that budget decisions are targeted to support the most disadvantaged in our communities - to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, provide people with a secure standard of living and opportunities to participate fully in Irish society".
"SVP rejects the notion that any level of poverty is acceptable in 21st century Ireland" Ms Bushnell said.
Last year the organisation spent more than €41 million fighting poverty and disadvantage.