Significant decline in risk of poverty rate for elderly

In 2006 the at risk of poverty rate for persons aged 65 and over was 13.6%, representing a significant decline on the 20.1% recorded one year previously. Slight decreases were also evident among children (21.2% to 20.2%) and the working age population (17.4% to 16.6%). Overall, 17.0% of the population were at risk of poverty in 2006, compared to 18.5% in 2005.

Households where head of household was unemployed most at risk

Persons living in households where the head of household was unemployed (60.8%), a student (51.6%) or ill or disabled (44.4%) were most at risk of poverty. Other high-risk groups were unemployed individuals (44.0%), persons ill or disabled (40.8%) and members of lone parent households (39.6%).

Consistent poverty rate unchanged

There was no significant change in the consistent poverty rate, with a level of 6.9% in 2006 compared to 7.0% in 2005. High-risk groups were members of lone-parent households (32.5%) and households where the head of household was unemployed (31.3%).

Average household income increased by 7.8%

The average net disposable household income increased by 7.8% to €836.44 per week in 2006, compared to €776.11 in 2005. Equivalised net disposable income increased by 7.4% to €406.84 per person per week. The at risk of poverty threshold increased by €9.75 or 5.1%, year on year, to €202.49 per person per week in 2006.

These figures are taken from the latest EU-SILC survey results, published today (29th November 2007).

The main results are summarised below:

For further information contact

Kathryn Carty on 021 4535302, Pamela Lafferty on 021 4535268 or Caroline Barrett on 021 4535485

Fax 021 453 5492

E-mail labour@cso.ie

Central Statistics Office

29 November 2007

– ENDS –

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