Sir, - Sean Barrett's reported views (October 4th) that advances have been made since 1987 in employment and wages growth are correct. However, his opinion that the Combat Poverty Agency makes "outlandish and spurious claims" about levels of Irish poverty is misinformed and wrong. In addition, his claim that the "school of poverty studies. . .insists that a third of the nation lives in poverty" is mistaken.
The Combat Poverty Agency's most recent annual report begins by stating that "over the past year important advances have occurred in tackling poverty and social exclusion. The living standards of the poorest in society have improved and there is evidence that the number of people experiencing extreme or consistent poverty is falling." The progress that has been made is reflected in the most recent data we have on poverty. In 1994, between 9 and 15 per cent of the population experienced long-term poverty; by 1997 this was reduced to 7 to 10 per cent. While this positive trend is likely to have continued since 1997, this is still a sizeable number of individuals and households without the income and resources to enjoy an acceptable standard of living.
The agency also recognises the significant levels of employment growth, the substantial falls in long-term unemployment and the recent approach to tax policy which have resulted in a reduction in the tax paid by people on low pay. These developments have certainly resulted in improvements in living standards for many people and they are strongly welcomed by the agency. However, the sting in the tail is that they are not shared equally.
Significant groups have not benefited significantly from our new-found wealth, either through access to the labour market or adequate social welfare supports. These include children in low income families, older long-term unemployed people, the elderly, growing numbers of homeless people, people without adequate housing, people with disabilities, Travellers, particular groups of women, people in or leaving residential or institutional care, refugees and asylum-seekers. Income inequalities have also not been adequately addressed. Indeed, relative income poverty increased between 1994 and 1997. By 1997 about one in five persons fell below half the average income (£74).
All of this serves to remind us that a booming economy is not the same as a booming society. If we want to create a more equal, fair and just society we now have a chance like never before. Decisions that will be taken over the next two months on the allocation of resources in the National Development Plan, any future national partnership agreement and the forthcoming Budget will be very important indicators of the extent of our commitment to this objective. - Yours, etc., Hugh Frazer,
Director, Combat Poverty Agency, Conyngham Road, Islandbridge, Dublin 8.