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'Over one in six people in Ireland are at risk of poverty and 105,051 people living in poverty in Ireland are actually in employment.' (Central Statistics Office, 2017) (i) Identify and discuss the groups of people who are at risk of poverty - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(c) - 2019
Question 3(c)
'Over one in six people in Ireland are at risk of poverty and 105,051 people living in poverty in Ireland are actually in employment.' (Central Statistics Office, ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Over one in six people in Ireland are at risk of poverty and 105,051 people living in poverty in Ireland are actually in employment.' (Central Statistics Office, 2017) (i) Identify and discuss the groups of people who are at risk of poverty - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(c) - 2019
Step 1
Identify and discuss the groups of people who are at risk of poverty.
Answer
Several groups in Ireland are at a heightened risk of poverty, which includes:
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Stay-at-home parents: Often rely on a single income, which may not be sufficient to meet all household needs.
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Elderly: Many elderly individuals depend on fixed, often insufficient pensions. Health care costs can further strain their finances.
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People with special needs: Disabilities can limit employment opportunities, creating financial difficulty.
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People with long-term illnesses: Chronic health conditions can result in unemployment or underemployment due to limited work capacities.
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Unemployed: Those actively seeking work may find it difficult due to economic conditions or lack of job availability.
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Early school leavers: Leaving school early limits educational qualifications, reducing access to well-paying jobs.
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Low-paid workers: Individuals earning minimum wage may struggle to cover basic living expenses.
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Lone parents: Often face additional challenges in securing stable employment and balancing childcare responsibilities.
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Households with a cycle of deprivation: Families with generations living in poverty may have limited access to resources and opportunities, perpetuating their situation.
Each group faces unique challenges that contribute to their risk of poverty, indicating the multifaceted nature of poverty itself.
Step 2
Discuss the influence of social policy on poverty.
Answer
Social policy plays a critical role in addressing poverty through legislative measures aimed at economic improvement. Key aspects include:
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Minimum wage laws: Ensuring fair compensation can bolster the financial stability of low-income workers, encouraging them to enter and remain in the workforce.
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Social welfare benefits: This provides a safety net for unemployed individuals, assisting them during times of economic hardship. However, these benefits must strike a balance—being adequate but not too generous—to incentivize employment.
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Housing policy: Affordable housing initiatives help prevent families from falling into poverty due to high living costs.
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Education policy: Enhancing access to education and training programs equips individuals with the necessary skills for better job opportunities.
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Response initiatives: The state has implemented various schemes, such as:
- Welfare assistance and benefits, which help cover basic needs.
- Programs focused on reducing dependence for low-income families.
- Access to free resources such as educational materials, health services (e.g., medical cards), and community development programs.
- The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, addressing broader societal issues.
Through these policies, the state has made strides in eliminating poverty, focusing on both immediate assistance and long-term solutions that empower individuals and families.