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The Irish economy has come to the end of a prolonged period of growth, this will increase the number of households vulnerable to poverty - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2010
Question 3(a)
The Irish economy has come to the end of a prolonged period of growth, this will increase the number of households vulnerable to poverty. (i) Discuss the influence ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Irish economy has come to the end of a prolonged period of growth, this will increase the number of households vulnerable to poverty - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2010
Step 1
Discuss the influence of each of the following as a contributory factor to poverty in Ireland today: the economic recession
Answer
The economic recession has significantly influenced poverty levels in Ireland. When the economy is weak, unemployment rises, leading to a reduction in household incomes. Job losses in critical sectors, such as manufacturing, have a disproportionate effect on lower-income individuals, who often lack the resources to withstand economic shocks. Furthermore, reductions in public spending during recessionary periods lead to decreased social services, exacerbating the situation for vulnerable households, limiting their access to necessary support.
Step 2
Discuss the influence of each of the following as a contributory factor to poverty in Ireland today: social policy
Answer
Social policy is vital in shaping the welfare landscape for many households. Changes in wages, benefits, and social assistance programs directly impact families' ability to meet their basic needs. If social policies do not provide adequate support or if there are cuts to benefits, families can slip into poverty more easily. Policies aimed at integrating individuals into the workforce through training or job creation can alleviate poverty, but insufficient support or poorly structured programs may leave vulnerable groups at risk.
Step 3
Discuss the influence of each of the following as a contributory factor to poverty in Ireland today: the cycle of deprivation in families and geographical areas
Answer
The cycle of deprivation refers to the intergenerational transmission of poverty, where children from low-income families often face obstacles that limit their opportunities, such as poor educational outcomes and lack of access to resources. Geographically, areas with high rates of unemployment, lower educational attainment, and limited access to services perpetuate this cycle. This occurs because children raised in such environments may not achieve the skills and connections necessary to escape poverty, further entrenching social inequalities.
Step 4
Outline how the state has responded to eliminating poverty.
Answer
The state has employed various measures to combat poverty, including implementing welfare assistance programs, such as job seekers’ allowance and family payments. Initiatives like the National Development Plan prioritize reducing downstream impacts of poverty by investing in community resources. Furthermore, the government has developed agencies, such as the National Development and Social Inclusion Strategy, which aims at enhancing support for those experiencing hardship and addressing issues of social exclusion. By focusing on education, job training, and access to health services, the state seeks to eliminate barriers faced by disadvantaged populations.
Step 5
Write an informative note on one national voluntary organisation which works with individuals / families experiencing poverty.
Answer
One notable organization is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP). This charity focuses on providing direct assistance to individuals and families facing poverty. SVP operates through a network of local volunteers who offer support, such as food parcels, financial aid, and advice on accessing housing and employment services. The organization aims to empower those in need by providing practical assistance and advocacy for social change, ensuring that people facing poverty are treated with dignity and respect while receiving the aid they require.