Significant Increase In The Number Of Older People Living In Poverty In Ireland, CSO Finds

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 15:46

By Caoimhe Harney

The sample size of the survey was 4,600 households and almost 11,400 individuals.

The number of people at risk of poverty rose by an estimated 77,000 in 2022, driven by an increase in the number of older people living in poor conditions, a new survey suggests.

The latest Survey on Income and Living Conditions from the Central Statistics Office found the proportion of people at risk of poverty rose to 13.1% last year from 11.6% cent in 2021.

The increase in the overall rate was driven by an increase in the number of older people at risk of poverty.

The surevy found 143,633 people over the age of 65 were living in poverty in 2022, an increase of 55,000 people on the year previous

The sample size of the survey was 4,600 households and almost 11,400 individuals.

Based on estimates on the size of the overall population, this equates to about 671,000 people at risk of poverty in 2022, an increase from an estimated 595,000 the previous year.

The CSO defines people at risk of poverty as individuals earning €15,000 or less, the equivalent of 60% of the national median income.

Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst, Social Justice Ireland joined Caoimhe Harney on Kildare Focus to discuss the new figures:

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.