The gap between the rich and poor in our society is growing. Calls for help by members of the public to the Society of St Vincent de Paul have risen by 80 per cent in the past year, according to the national president, Mr Brian O'Reilly.
And the harshest winter period has yet to come. An estimated 300,000 children are not eating properly. That is an unacceptable situation in one of the richest countries in the world. Something must be done about it in tomorrow's Budget.
Members of the Coalition Government are uncomfortable with the level of deprivation that exists here. Last week, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, challenged an assertion by the St Vincent de Paul that almost one-quarter of all Irish children are living in families on less than €175 a week. Consistent poverty has, indeed, dropped dramatically in recent years because of the growing economy, better social welfare levels and higher levels of employment. But relative poverty has increased. Whatever the precise figures for poverty amongst children, the fact remains that many thousands of young people are living in households that cannot afford a decent meal every day.
For many families this Christmas, the difference between getting by and falling into despair will be the St Vincent de Paul and its 9,000 volunteers. The generosity of the public allows the society to reach out and make life more bearable for many people.
Last year, public donations increased by 22 per cent and it is hoped that pattern will repeat itself as we enter the festive season. Help does not come from the society though cash assistance alone. Food, clothing, furniture and fuel is also supplied at a total cost of more than €13 million. The society also provides emergency and hostel accommodation, along with social housing. About 1,200 people are cared for in this way.
The society acts as a useful irritant for complacent governments and as a spur to the conscience of the wealthy. It campaigns in favour of the elderly enjoying their later years in some security and comfort. And it urges help and education for children in difficult circumstances.
It has asked the Government to increase social welfare payments in tomorrow's Budget, to add to the stock of social housing, to help those on the minimum wage and to provide for the education and health of disadvantaged children. These are expensive requests at a time when the Government finds itself in some financial difficulty. The nature of the response to these requests will say a great deal about the kind of society that Ireland has become.