Over 750,000 people – 17%+ of the Irish population – have incomes less than the standard poverty line (as recognised by the European Commission and the United Nations), a factor contributing to the increasing number of applications to Protestant Aid.

Many of these belong to what are known as the ‘New Poor’, who earn little, pay for everything and qualify for virtually nothing, being just outside the income thresholds for such critical benefits as back-to-school allowances, rent allowances or medical cards.

PA responds to calls from clergy, social workers, neighbours and others, irrespective of religious or ethnic background and can do so thanks to the continuous support of loyal, long-standing subscribers, major one-off donations, highly valuable legacies and a generous €150K in support from the Department of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs.