Poverty pictured up close and personal

from The Independent

THE dramatic change in the face of poverty over the past two decades has been captured in a photographic exhibition which opened last night at Dublin's Civic Offices on Burgh Quay.

The photos by Derek Speirs are accompanied by a narrative detailingkey changes in Irish society from 1986 to today.

The exhibition, which is open to the public, recognises the pivotal role played by the Combat Poverty Agency in tackling poverty and marks its 20 years of existence.

Images such as secondhand Holy Communion dresses for sale in a Dublin street market or a snapshot of Finance Minister Bertie Ahern with his two young daughters remind the viewer how much has changed.

The director of the agency, Helen Johnston, said today's Ireland was a world apart from 1986 when unemployment was at 17pc and 28,000 people emigrated each year.

However, she said that while Ireland's economic success had resulted in major reductions in unemployment and a virtual end to emigration, there were new challenges to face.

"Not everyone can take up a job, and not every job guarantees an adequate income. Many people remain at risk of poverty, with 18.5pc of the population living on less than €209 per week," she said.

The exhibition focuses on a series of issues - including who is affected by poverty, how communities are responding, income adequacy, the value of education, financial exclusion and child poverty.

link to a photo in the exhibition

The exhibition will run for a week before touring the country.