The Society of St Vincent de Paul says the temporary supports announced in the €400 million Cost of Living package are insufficient for households in crisis.
SVP says that increasing core social welfare rates would have been more effective in ensuring those on the lowest incomes are not pulled further into poverty.
The charity says what the Government announced yesterday amounts to short measure for long term social problems and they fall short of what is needed just like the previous suite of one off measures announced in September.
SVP says Within the greater Cork area calls for assistance to the Regional office during the last twelve months increased by 20% to 16,500 and SVP volunteers looked after 1400 families every month with up to 5000 families being looked after in the pre Christmas period.
Speaking to RedFM News Niamh Dalziel (DL) from SVP says these one off measures don't give people what they need to stay afloat and keep up with the costs of every day essential items.
"They're short term measures for long term social problems. We need policies that really target and meet those long term difficulties that people are facing. It is a plaster over a bullet hole.
"The important message we want to get across that we are here. We are supporting people. And if you're facing that financial difficulty at home today, please pick up the phone and give us a call or go online because the support is available to you, but we really want to work in targeting the government and talking about those targets and making clear changes, targeted changes for people who need that support today."
