Latest Posts

In February, a French publication was released on socio- economic discrimination or 'discrimination related to poverty' by LISI (Laboratoire d'InterventionSociale par l'Image/ Labratory for Social Intervention through Images) in collaboration with ATD Fourth World and other organisations. In France, ATD managed to "Add the 21st" ground of discrimination in 2016. The 21st ground is called "PVE (Particulière Vulnérabilité Economique)" or Particular Economic Vulnerability or 'Discrimination 21'.At ATD Ireland we will be hoping and asking that the upcoming EU anti poverty strategy (to be launched on May 6th by the European Commission) will commit to ending socio- economic discrimination for families and individuals…

On Monday 20th April, ATD Ireland Community Activist and volunteers including Paul, Craig, Veronica, and for the first time, Natasha, Tomo and Ana) had the opportunity to animate a poverty aware practice session at Trinity College with Second year Social Work students, a week before they begin their community placement. The aim of the activity was to show students the stakes and realities of their future work of social workers, and to help them get a better understanding of what poverty is and how it feels like. They were asked by the activists what poverty and socio-economic discrimination meant to them, and…

ATD Ireland are pleased to share our submission on the priorities for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. We believe the Presidency of the Council of the EU is an apt opportunity to build on the work carried out through the development of the EU anti poverty strategy and ultimately work towards the eradication of poverty for people across the European Union. 

Dear friends of ATD Ireland, As we approach this festive season we think of those struggling the most, Christmas can be a very difficult time for families living in poverty. However, the families and individuals we meet also consistently show us how to bring hope and light in the face of serious hardship.We will take Festive Joy to the Streets of Dublin next Friday 12th December as we have our Singing For Change Event. We welcome you all to join us at 4pm at the GPO as we walk up to Grafton Street and back Singing Festive Songs and collecting for ATD Ireland. …

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy: A Life Lived at the Frontlines of Poverty and Homelessness Early in November, Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, a Sister of Charity in Ireland passed away.Over the years she had been at the coal face of the fight against poverty and homelessness and an ardent defender of the people and families left on the side of the road. Early on she discovered:“Services weren’t enough. You had to have advocacy as well. That’s what drove me” (Irish Times obituary, 8 November 2025) Early Work and Vision in Kilkenny Having grown up in a rural community in the west of Ireland, Sr…

From Addiction to Activist: A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes – A Beacon of Hope for People On October 17th this year Community Activist Andrew officially launched his new book sharing his life story.During the commemoration the book was introduced by Aye Aye Winn President of the International 17th October Committee (of which Andrew is also a member). This book shares stories and milestone moments from Andrew’s life including his efforts to overcome hardship, support his family and be a beacon of hope for others.We are so proud of Andrew for everything he has achieved and are honoured to have him…

Marking 25 Years of Commitment: A Special 17 October Commemoration in Dublin This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held on 17 October, was a truly special edition in Dublin, as it marked the 25th anniversary of commemorating this event in Ireland. The ceremony took place at the Human Rights and Poverty Stone, a symbolic and deeply moving location. It was a privilege to have the event led by David Donoghue; Co Facilitator of the UN negotiations on the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda.  His presence reminded us of the importance of keeping international attention on the fight against poverty.The…

ATD Ireland welcomes in targeted measures for families living in poverty and dependent on social welfare payments to meet the cost of their weakly expenses - in particular €8 euro increase in the qualified child, under 12, payment and the €16 increase in the qualified child, over 12, payment.However, it is disappointing to see that the core social welfare adult payments have been increased by only €10. In order to reduce the level of child poverty, it is necessary to ensure that the total family incomes is adequate to meet the weekly cost of a minimum essential standard of living (MESL).…

On Monday, ATD Ireland carried out the final out of three session with a group of Trinity College Social Work students. A continuation of a journey we’ve been sharing over the past year.The morning began with a clip from ATD Ireland’s “Community Conversations – #Addthe10th” film, raising a critical question:“Why aren’t people protected against socio-economic discrimination in Irish equality legislation?”Some students later reflected that they had not fully understood what socio-economic discrimination meant until now. Why the Poverty Aware Practice Project Matters ATD Ireland Activists then stood up in front of the class and shared why the Poverty Awareness Project is…

Throughout my seven-week internship at ATD Ireland, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of the space we create, particularly for newcomers, whether they be volunteers, interns, or students. Something unique and vital is provided by the ATD community: a setting where individuals with and without lived experiences of poverty can interact as equals, exchange stories, work together, and gain knowledge from one another. It is a place where people belong, not just where they work or serve.I could tell right away from my first open house day that this was not your average NGO or service-oriented environment. The weekly…