Food Poverty Is Still A Major Problem - O'Dea

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection Willie O'Dea has called for the government to take more action to help the "major" food poverty problem.

The comments come just after the Society of Vincent de Paul's analysis of requests made last year showed that food poverty was the most prevalent issue being reported.

Deputy O'Dea commented: "Despite the trumpeting from the Government spinners of the supposed economic recovery, it's clear that it is not being felt by all sections of society as new research shows that food poverty is still a major problem."

He also highlighted the Society of Vincent de Paul's analysis that showed one in three calls were about food poverty, and stated the problems this would call for a person's diet.

"The painful reality is that in too many homes there are people who are unable to provide a nutritious meal for themselves or their children," he said. "This is an issue that must be tackled as it has serious consequences in terms of health, obesity and poor educational outcomes for example."

Mr O'Dea called Fine Gael's approach "laissez-faire" and urged them to deliver.

"1 in 9 children (11.1%) are in consistent poverty whilst a quarter of all children (25.2%) are experiencing deprivation and are going without basic necessities. These are the facts and Minister Doherty and her colleagues in Government must stop spinning and start delivering," he concluded.

(CM)