‘Essential Needs’ cuts pressuring families – SVP

The systematic reduction in the funding for Essential Needs Payments (ENPs) is placing severe pressure on struggling families throughout the country, according to the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP)

The ENP budget this year (2015) is €27.9m, a cut of 55% since 2011.

John-Mark McCafferty, SVP Head of Social Justice & Policy said that assistance under Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) schemes have become harder to get because of funding cut backs, delays and  the reconfiguration of delivery processes.

“One consequence is the increasing demand on the services of charities like SVP, which is now providing approximately €40m annually in direct assistance to families and individuals who seek its help.

“This is approximately twice what was provided in 2009,” he said.