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1. Main challenges to social inclusion

2. Main concept

Main challenges to social inclusion

The 2023 Central Statistic Office's Survey on Income and Living Conditions found that those under 18 years were the age group with the highest at risk of poverty. 

Social Justice Ireland's report Poverty Focus 2023 found that 190,000 children (15.2% of children) in Ireland were living in households that were experiencing poverty in 2022. This is a significant increase from the 160,000 children (that were reported in Poverty Focus 2022) living in households experiencing poverty in 2022. 

Social Justice Ireland is a non-profit organization, partly funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Scheme to Support National Organisations and Pobal (a not-for profit company that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish government and the EU). 

Child and youth homelessness

Child and youth homelessness is a key challenge to social inclusion in Ireland. The lead local authorities for homelessness in each region provide monthly reports on homelessness that identify the number of people utilizing State-funded emergency accommodation on a regional and county basis. 

According to the Homelessness Report January 2024 published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), 1,592 18- to 24-year-olds were officially homeless in January 2024. 

These numbers represent those counted in monthly figures and does not include those experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ among young people. For example, young people who are ‘couch surfing,’ living in squats, overcrowded accommodation, precarious situations etc. 

The DHLGH published Housing for All: Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023-2025 in 2023. The three year strategy works towards ending homelessness for young people aged 18-24 through prevention and exits; and improving the experience of young people accessing emergency accommodation. 

Young people living in Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation Centres

Young people living in Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation Centres is another key challenge to social inclusion in Ireland. Direct provision is a means of meeting the basic needs of food and shelter for asylum seekers directly while their claims for refugee status, subsidiary protection or appeals for leave to remain are being processed in Ireland. 

Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation Centres tend to be isolated, and residents must share rooms with most not having the facilities to cook for themselves or their families. In many Direct Provision centres, meals are only served at set times. A 2021 Report on Children in Direct Provision by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, found that a lack of funds, transport, strict mealtimes and a ban on visitors to Direct Provision centres can exclude Asylum seekers. For example, this can exclude children from afterschool activities and youths from further or third level educational opportunities.

In February 2021 the Irish Government published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. The Government plans to replace the Direct Provision system with an international protection system over the next four years with a two-phased approach that plans to close all Direct Provision centres by the end of 2024.

In December 2021, the Department of Justice launched a new landmark scheme to assist long-term undocumented migrants in Ireland. This allows eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and become Irish residents.

Main concept

Ireland uses a definition of poverty and social-inclusion that is set out in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025, but originates in the National Anti-Poverty Strategy, 1997;

‘People are living in poverty if their income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living which is regarded as acceptable by Irish society generally. As a result of inadequate income and resources, people may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities which are considered the norm for other people in society.’

The official Government approved property measure used in Ireland is consistent poverty. This measure was developed independently by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

The measure identifies the proportion of people, from those with an income below a certain threshold (less than 60% of median income), who are deprived of two or more goods or services considered essential for the basic standard of living.

These good or services include the following

1. Two pairs of strong shoes
2. A warm waterproof overcoat
3. To buy new clothes that are not second-hand
4. Eat meals with meat, chicken, fish (or vegetarian equivalent) every single day
5. Have a roast joint or its equivalent once a week
6. Had to go without heating during the last year through lack of money
7. Keep the home adequately warm
8. Buy presents for family or friends at least once a year
9. Replace any worn out furniture
10. Have family or friends for a drink or meal once a month
11. Have a morning, afternoon or evening out in the last fortnight, for entertainment.