Mr. Kieran Stafford:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul welcomes the opportunity to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the issue of supporting older people and people experiencing disadvantage in rural Ireland. As all members know, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul exists to fight poverty and all forms of social exclusion. Established in 1844, we are the largest voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland with over 11,000 volunteer members operating on an all-Ireland basis, working in both urban and rural areas, and assisting both younger and older people and helping families and individuals alike.

On the ground, our focus is on a practical approach to dealing with poverty, alleviating its effects on households through working primarily in person-to-person contact by a unique system of visitation to peoples’ homes. It is through this privileged position of visiting people, hearing their stories and helping where appropriate that our members earn the credibility that the society enjoys. It is this unique position that enables us to work for social justice in a respected and effective manner, advocating for the creation of a more just, caring nation. In addition to providing direct assistance to those in need, we provide a wide range of services caring for people who are homeless, providing social housing, and operating other social support activities. Alongside our home visitation work, the society seeks to empower people to access education, training, adequate incomes and quality, affordable public services.

I will now hand over to my colleague, Mr. John-Mark McCafferty.