More families struggle to make ends meet

A study showed that the standard of living in Ireland has decreased in the past few years.

 

Findings from the Growing Up in Ireland survey revealed that the financial difficulties that families experience have been both “pervasive and persistent.”

 

Researchers interviewed the families of 11,100 five-year-olds in 2008 and in 2011 and found that the number of parents struggling to get by has more than doubled since their first interview.

 

Nearly half said they had to cut back on the basics because they could no longer afford them and 17% said they were behind with utility bills.

 

A further 14% said they were behind in their rent or mortgage and continued to experience great difficulties.

 

The impact of the economic crisis is being felt at all levels, with families of higher income being affected as well.

 

These effects include a reduction in income and the inability to afford luxuries, while other families had huge reductions from the social welfare.

 

The study also found that 25% of families said they could not have afforded to send their child to preschool had they not been eligible for the preschool scheme.

 

As the economy declines, the public continue to remain hopeful due to aid available.