The rising tide that failed to lift all boats: poverty inequality and the celtic tiger

This paper highlights the derisory situation in respect of tackling poverty which continues to affect and exclude significant numbers of persons and the increasing inequalities prevalent within Irish society. The government’s attempts to equitably redistribute the benefits of economic growth have been negligible, particularly in respect of the impact of expenditure on health and education. Poverty’s presence continues to represent an acute barrier in terms of access to and experiences of these basic rights. The lived inequitable experiences of health and exclusion from adequate care are prominent features of the Irish health care system. Similarly, deprivation continues to constitute a key arbiter in respect of all aspects of the educational experience, with significant inequalities and exclusion remaining prominent in terms of access, participation and performance for deprived socio-economic and excluded groups. The consequences of the inequitable and exclusionary experiences determined by poverty in education and health are inherently linked and pervade all aspects of a person’s life, both personal and social. The idea of a ‘cycle of poverty’ is pertinent; despite Ireland’ economic success it continues to revolve and for those trapped therein, escape must appear impossible.