DUBLIN: Rising inflation in Ireland are increasing the number of poor people while decreasing the real effect of income growth for ordinary households, as per Central Statistics Office (CSO) data. According to the CSO, the average household’s disposable income fell by €550 last year.
Based on the CSO’s Income and Living Conditions Survey, the average and ordinary family’s real income fell to 46,076 euros in comparison to the previous year. The survey found that the rise in the income of families has led to a rise in prices.
The figures also show that the number of people living in poverty has increased last year compared to 2021. According to the CSO, there are 6,71,183 people in Ireland who are poor. 1,88,600 are under the age of 18 and 1,43,600 are over the age of 65. In 2022, 5.3 percent of people are found to be in chronic poverty. In 2021, it was four percent.
The ratio of the poor has increased from 11.6 percent in 2021 to 13.1 percent last year. According to the CSO, if financial assistance had not been provided during the COVID period, it would have been 20.5 percent.
Observers say that the number of people who are unable to work due to long-term health problems is increasing. The survey points out that one-third of the unemployed are unable to work due to long-term health problems, and they are at risk of poverty. According to the CSO survey, these, as well as the elderly who live alone and those who live in rented housing, are factors that increase the risk of poverty.
These findings are extremely concerning and may intensify the cost-of-living crisis in financially distressed households. Dr. Sean Healy, Director of Social Justice Ireland, stated.
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