Newton and Kelly respond to report on poverty and social exclusion

Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly spoke today at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) launch of their update report on “Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion” in the Stormont Hotel.

Both Ministers responded to the findings of the report which re-examines progress since JRF’s first report in Northern Ireland in 2006.

Minister Kelly said: “The findings of this update also highlight the varied impact of the recession in different geographical regions with some depressingly familiar outcomes – it appears that some of the most vulnerable regions are suffering greatest during the economic downturn.

"The Executive, through its programme for Government, has placed the economy as its number one priority. That is why we have been able to make record levels of investment in infrastructure with the equivalent of £4.5million being spent each and every day to build new schools, hospitals and roads in the last financial year.

“Equally, the Executive has taken a number of steps to help those most disadvantaged in our society including the £150 payment to help with fuel costs, the introduction of school uniform grants for primary school children, the deferment of water charges, the freezing of domestic rates, free travel for those over sixty and the introduction of free prescription charges. These are all examples of concrete measures which have been taken to help the most disadvantaged in our society.

“Of course much work needs to be done. It is through the findings in reports such as this that we can fully understand the level of the problem that we face and, in so doing, make better informed decisions regarding the steps needed to tackle those problems."

Junior Minister Newton said the update will prove beneficial when accessing how to limit the impact of the current economic downturn.

The Minister said: “Today’s report also points to the impact of the recession on poverty. We are absolutely committed to the principle that the best way out of poverty is a job with a reasonable wage. The Programme for Government puts the objective of growing the economy firmly at the heart of our work. We recognised, at an early stage, how critical improved employment prospects, better educational opportunities and a wider range of job options were to the wellbeing and future of our province.

"The economic downturn has had a negative impact on many but we continue to strive to build for the future – the recent investment focused trip to the USA by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister being the latest in our endeavours.”

Minister Newton reiterated the Executive’s commitment to action on the report, he said: “I can assure you that the Executive is united in its determination to do all in its power to minimise the impact of this recession on individual and family lives but also to move swiftly to give help and support to those on the frontline.”

Notes to Editors:

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