New CSO figures show the recovery is benefitting low income people- Noone

Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone has welcomed new figures from the CSO showing positive changes and confirming that the economic recovery is benefitting people and families on low incomes.

Senator Noone, a Fine Gael candidate in Dublin Bay North said “The Survey on Income and Living Conditions, carried out by the CSO shows that enforced deprivation has fallen from 30.5% in 2013 to 18.8% by the end of 2017. This is a very significant amount of people moving out of enforced deprivation.

“We also see welcome results on poverty and income inequality. The Gini coefficient which is a measure of income inequality, has remained stable in Ireland unlike some of our European counterparts, who have seen a deterioration. The consistent poverty rate fell 1.5% between 2016 and 2017, which is significant for those impacted.

“The survey shows that we are making progress and moving in the right direction. It confirms that the economic recovery is benefiting people and families on low incomes.

“It demonstrates that the Government’s approach to tackling poverty through the provision of income supports, access to quality services and supports for people in taking up employment is working.

“Fine Gael had a relentless focus on job creation since we took office at the height of the economic crash. We achieved the highest level of employment ever in Ireland – unemployment currently stands at 5.3% – the lowest level since early 2008.

“Furthermore, the key findings in the survey show that in 2017, the mean annual household disposable income was €48,476, representing a statistically significant increase of 4.7% on the 2016 value of €46,310. An increase in disposable income will serve to boost the economy further which will benefit more and more sections of society.

“The trends highlighted by the CSO mark four years of an improving situation. This does not mean our work is done but I believe these figures show we are on the right course and the situation for many people and families in Ireland is improving and will continue to do so.”