The Central Statistics Office (CSO) data on Enforced Deprivation shows almost 900,000 people were going without basics prior to the pandemic – an increase of over 140,000 from the previous year. More than one in five children are now experiencing enforced deprivation.

“This generous donation of 2,000 books will greatly benefit so many children and families across the country,” said SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

"We are grateful that the NI Executive listened to us," said Patrick Friel of the SVP, which wants the Dublin government to do the same.

The experience of ongoing disadvantage takes a physical, psychological and social toll on the lives of too many children and adults, and the effects can be long lasting, says SVP National President, Kieran Stafford.

Increased need as people find themselves struggling financially as a result of losing their jobs or living on reduced income because of restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Young SVP saw the worry and anxiety among students during the COVID-19 restrictions and decided to produce the video to offer support, encourage them to talk about their anxieties, and tell them that help is on hand.

But it could also be an opportunity for the new government to learn some lessons about how education could be designed more equitably.

It was humbling to visit Simon Armagh to offer our support and to speak and pray with the residents and staff, says Archbishop Martin.

“Participants will have to think about and calculate every item they consume. However, this is the reality of hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland every day,” says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

The SVP Resource Centre in Galway, 'Croi na Gaillimhe', has been renamed Maureen O’Connell House as a lasting tribute to the benefactor's memory

The winner of this year’s car is Eoin Duggan from Ballincollig, with runners-up from around County Cork receiving cash prizes from €500-€1,500. 

“The high cost of energy here in Ireland should be considered a key contributor to utility arrears and the inability of people to adequately heat their homes,” says the SVP’s Dr Tricia Keilthy.

“Like a Christmas Angel, your gift of hope could bring little miracles to those who need it most this winter,” says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

"We are indebted to the continued support from the GAA clubs and supporters in Co. Antrim in helping brighten the festive season,” said Pauline Brown of the SVP.

"It is totally unacceptable for a rich country like Ireland that so many children have no place to call home,” said SVP National President Kieran Stafford.

‘We don’t believe that this budget protects those most vulnerable in the event of a No-Deal Brexit,’ says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

Irish society is becoming increasingly cashless, and the way charities are collecting donations is changing to reflect this.

Emerging issues with the economy now at almost ‘full employment’ are in-work poverty and the difficulty for people in rural areas in accessing employment.

“People should come to Vincent’s shops because they want to, not because they have to.”

“If I hadn't been supported, I wouldn’t be a nurse today. I’d probably be homeless.”

“The greatness of the story of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is the witness of those men and women who became real friends with the poor.”

“A social housing policy that relies so heavily on the private rented sector can never be the answer to the housing problem.”

In Ireland, the Society of St Vincent de Paul receives more than 130,000 calls for assistance a year – about 11 percent more than it did five years ago.

Catholic Bishop of Meath and Church of Ireland Primate focus on the human cost of the homeless crisis in their Christmas messages.

"Brand new children’s books will be distributed in the families we visit, to encourage children to begin enjoying books early and all the benefits that brings."

“Music develops the whole brain, fosters a child's creativity and brings joy and enrichment to a person’s life.” - Joe Sweeney, Society of St Vincent de Paul

Kieran Stafford said it was a sign of Ireland’s standing that the International President of an organisation with members in about 140 countries visited here so early in his 6-year term of office.

John Grogan is a member of the Catholic Legislators Network in the Houses of Parliament and his brother is a priest of the Diocese of Leeds.

The high cost of childcare means that nearly one in five lone parents are better off not working.

The SVP is calling on government to introduce an interest rate cap that reduces the total cost of credit that moneylenders can legally charge.