The Government must ‘offer hope’ to the 4,000 children without a home in Ireland.
That’s according to SVP’s pre-budget submission released today, which sets out a range of recommendations for the upcoming Budget 2025.
They say over 913,000 people are going without basics in Ireland and that 250,000 children are living in deprivation.
Among the 16 recommendations from SVP are an increase to core social welfare rates by €20 and an expansion of the Fuel Allowance to low-income working families.
Under pressure parents
SVP President Rose McGowan said the charity has come across dire situations in recent times.
“Parents are put under pressure all year round and will cut down on their own need for food to make sure their children can eat,” she said.
“Our members have met older people who go to bed early to stay warm during the colder months.
“People are constantly juggling rent, utility bills, school charges and supplies for their children, transport costs, and food shopping.
“More and more families caring for children with additional needs are coming to SVP for support with the cost of essentials.”
Other recommendations by the charity include increased investment in therapy supports for children in need and an extension of the free school books scheme to the senior cycle.
Government opportunity
SVP Head of Social Justice Dr. Tricia Keilthy said the Government has an opportunity to turn things around.
“This is the final budget of the current Government, and it is the last opportunity to leave a positive legacy on the lives of individuals, families, and children across the country,” she said.
“The Government must offer hope and show leadership based on the values of human dignity, social justice, equality, and the collective good of society.
“These values must carry through beyond Budget 2025 and into the next Programme for Government.”
Over 13,500 people are currently living in emergency accommodation in Ireland.
Main image: A child begging on O Connell Street in Dublin. Image: Crispin Rodwell / Alamy Stock Photo
