‘Poverty linked to Troubles’ – Academic

Posted By: August 27, 2014

UTV. Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Any resolution on dealing with the 
past in Northern Ireland must 
include tackling
those people living in 
poverty because of their experiences 
during the Troubles, a
Queen's academic has said.



Troubles poverty link
 

Analysis Research has revealed that 
more than a  quarter of adults in 
Northern Ireland live
without basic necessities like food, 
heat or clothing.

The study has also revealed that of 
those who had personally experienced 
the Troubles 36% of them suffer
some kind of deprivation.

The figures were discovered in 
the largest study of its kind ever 
carried out in the
UK which examined how a lack 
of money is impacting sections 
of society.

Compiled by Queen's University, 
the research found 38% of adults 
who had a relative
injured in the Troubles suffered 
multiple deprivation; 45% for t
hose who had a
relative jailed; and 56% for those 
who recorded police or army 
searches of their home.

The highest level of deprivation, 
58%, affected people who were 
forced to move house
because of harassment.

Sociology Professor Mike Tomlinson 
from Queen's said the impact of 
violent conflict has a similar 
impact around the world.

He said: "Dealing with the 
past needs to include tackling 
the deprivation of those
whose lives are most lighted 
by the years of conflict."

Across the UK, the study f
ound that households below 
the minimum standard of living
increased from 14% to 33%
 over the last 30 years, 
despite the size of the economy
doubling.

It also showed that millions
 can't afford adequate housing, 
are too poor for social
activities, can't heat their 
homes and are not properly fed.

Professor David Gordon, from 
the Townsend Centre for 
International Poverty Research
at the University of Bristol, 
said: "Poverty and deprivation 
have increased since
2010, the poor are suffering 
from deeper poverty and the 
gap between the rich and
poor is widening."