People are in such bad circumstances that they are asking the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for supplies of food.
“These are direct requests for food, not Christmas supplies, but everyday supplies of basic food commodities. That is an indication of how bad things are for some people,” Conferences of the SVP around the country are reporting. Conferences are the local parish-based units of the Society.
As well as the national office of the Society in Dublin, regional offices throughout the country have experienced significant increases in calls for help since last January.
Amongst the highest figures –
Limerick and Cork – An increase of 36 per cent in calls for help, compared with 2008.
Dublin – An increase of 32 per cent. Most of the requests wee for food vouchers and help with energy bills. One-in-four callers had never asked for help before.
SVP PROPOSALS TO GOVERNMENT ON THE BUDGET
• The work of the Family Support Agency must be safeguarded.
• There should be no reduction in the Fuel Allowance payment.
• There should be no reduction in the payments made to Asylum Seekers, which has been static for ten years.
The full pre-Budget submission by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul which includes the detailed proposals can be read here.