For a country that is ranked by the latest UN report as second last among developed countries in terms of poverty and inequality, as Senator Mooney noted, Ireland also needs dramatic changes to alter its own dismal national profile. The UN report emphasised the need for robust Government action in tackling persistent poverty and inequalities. The report states that for yet another year, Ireland has the greatest disparity of incomes in Europe and is a deeply unequal society. Along with its criticisms of the overseas aid issue, it points the finger of blame towards the Government which it says must not shirk from tackling poverty, social exclusion and deprivation at home.