Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Let me say well done to the representatives of Age Action Ireland and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It is not easy to come before a joint committee to make a presentation to members.

There is probably a bigger narrative here but it is outside their remit. The social damage done to the country since 2008 because of cutbacks to the most vulnerable has been akin to social vandalism. That ranges from elderly people to single parents to working people. The people who inflicted this social vandalism on people are still in this House. In my eyes they should be present to answer for what they have done.

Does the representative of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul agree with me that homelessness is getting worse? The number of people coming to our office is rising and the problem is getting worse rather than improving. I presume all the Deputies have the same experience. We are seeing the crisis of our time facing the State. Ms Caroline Fahey is seeing that at first hand.

Working people are being driven into work poverty.

The matter is probably out of the remit of the witnesses and is more for legislators. Many of the people in this country who are working, and probably earning the minimum wage, are struggling. They do the best for their kids and for themselves but are punished all the time because of certain legislation introduced by political parties. The narrative is as follows. Since 2008, the social damage done by certain political parties is, to my eyes, criminal. The collateral damage, a term I hate using, was outlined by the delegation. It is unacceptable that people must struggle every day, beg and suffer. This country is very wealthy but it is divided along class and financial lines. Until that scenario is tackled, we will be debating these issues in ten years' time.