Menu
12/03/2024
Communities Minister Must Prioritise Anti-Poverty Measures
The Alliance Party has criticised Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, for "not prioritising anti-poverty measures".
MLA Kellie Armstrong said the Minister's inaction was "disappointing" in light of a new report showing that one in five children in NI are living in relative poverty.
Ms Armstrong was speaking as the Audit Office report on child poverty in Northern Ireland showed around 20 per cent of children here are living in relative poverty before housing costs, and between seven and nine per cent are living in low-income households which cannot afford basic good and essential activities. The report also shows little sustained reduction in levels over the last eight years.
"The failure to protect children from poverty is a costly mistake a society cannot afford to make," she said.
"Tackling these issues early also helps take pressure off the system in other places, including the health, justice and education systems. We have an obligation to help those in need, including child poverty, both in the long and short-term.
"It is disappointing therefore the Communities Minister is not prioritising anti-poverty measures. Progress was made during the previous Assembly mandate on a number of related issues but has now stalled due to the lack of an Assembly and Executive. That means the next budget will now not be influenced by these when being set.
"It's shameful one-in-five children in Northern Ireland are in poverty. The Minister should be focusing on helping relieve this situation and taking some critical decisions towards doing that."
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, the party's benefits spokesperson, said the Minister needed to show leadership in addressing the cliff edge those on benefits are facing.
"We need to see quick movement to extend welfare mitigations so there is no gap in support at the end of March 2025, when they are currently due to expire," she said.
"However, this is so much more than a single welfare issue and Alliance will be to the forefront in supporting those who need the government to deliver for them and help lift them out of poverty.
"That's why we desperately need a joined-up, adequately resourced approach to poverty elimination. The Communities Minister has a critical role to play in that and I hope he does."
MLA Kellie Armstrong said the Minister's inaction was "disappointing" in light of a new report showing that one in five children in NI are living in relative poverty.
Ms Armstrong was speaking as the Audit Office report on child poverty in Northern Ireland showed around 20 per cent of children here are living in relative poverty before housing costs, and between seven and nine per cent are living in low-income households which cannot afford basic good and essential activities. The report also shows little sustained reduction in levels over the last eight years.
"The failure to protect children from poverty is a costly mistake a society cannot afford to make," she said.
"Tackling these issues early also helps take pressure off the system in other places, including the health, justice and education systems. We have an obligation to help those in need, including child poverty, both in the long and short-term.
"It's shameful one-in-five children in Northern Ireland are in poverty. The Minister should be focusing on helping relieve this situation and taking some critical decisions towards doing that."
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, the party's benefits spokesperson, said the Minister needed to show leadership in addressing the cliff edge those on benefits are facing.
"We need to see quick movement to extend welfare mitigations so there is no gap in support at the end of March 2025, when they are currently due to expire," she said.
"However, this is so much more than a single welfare issue and Alliance will be to the forefront in supporting those who need the government to deliver for them and help lift them out of poverty.
"That's why we desperately need a joined-up, adequately resourced approach to poverty elimination. The Communities Minister has a critical role to play in that and I hope he does."
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 December 2019
Open Policy Debate On Child Poverty Hosted By Dr Zappone
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has hosted an Open Policy Debate on Child Poverty in association with the Children's Rights Alliance in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Keynote speakers that addressed the event included Minister Zappone, Professor Mary Daly from Oxford University and Dr.
Open Policy Debate On Child Poverty Hosted By Dr Zappone
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has hosted an Open Policy Debate on Child Poverty in association with the Children's Rights Alliance in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Keynote speakers that addressed the event included Minister Zappone, Professor Mary Daly from Oxford University and Dr.
02 September 2011
Public Consultation On Poverty Launched
Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton, is launching a public consultation in the hope of engaging Ireland in reducing and eliminating poverty. The public consultation process is to be undertaken by her Department as part of the review of the national poverty target.
Public Consultation On Poverty Launched
Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton, is launching a public consultation in the hope of engaging Ireland in reducing and eliminating poverty. The public consultation process is to be undertaken by her Department as part of the review of the national poverty target.
13 February 2013
New Data Highlights Importance Of Social Protection In Reducing Poverty
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, has welcomed the publication today of the Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2011 by the Central Statistics Office.
New Data Highlights Importance Of Social Protection In Reducing Poverty
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, has welcomed the publication today of the Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2011 by the Central Statistics Office.
20 July 2016
One In Eight Children Living In Consistent Child Poverty - Report
The number of children living in child poverty has almost doubled during the recession, according to a new survey. The report from think-tank TASC showed that one in eight children are now living in consistent poverty.
One In Eight Children Living In Consistent Child Poverty - Report
The number of children living in child poverty has almost doubled during the recession, according to a new survey. The report from think-tank TASC showed that one in eight children are now living in consistent poverty.
05 July 2016
Over 750,000 People Living In Poverty - Report
A new report has revealed over 750,000 people are living in poverty in Ireland. In its policy briefing on Poverty, Deprivation and Inequality, think tank Social Justice Ireland stated the number of poverty living in poverty has increased by more than 100,000.
Over 750,000 People Living In Poverty - Report
A new report has revealed over 750,000 people are living in poverty in Ireland. In its policy briefing on Poverty, Deprivation and Inequality, think tank Social Justice Ireland stated the number of poverty living in poverty has increased by more than 100,000.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
