The Government has been urged to put in place training programmes to retrain workers who lose their jobs in the current phase of economic slowdown.

Senator Alex White, Seanad Group Leader and Labour spokesperson called for the action following the publication yesterday of a report from religious organisation CORI, which revealed that nearly three quarters of a million people in Ireland are living in poverty.

But, Senator White warned these figures are sure to rise. "As we now face into a period of increased economic uncertainty, and as the numbers of jobless continues to creep up, it is inevitable that poverty will become an even greater problem," he said.

In their report, CORI said the Government's failure to address the issue was a serious indictment of how the resources were used during the booming Celtic Tiger years.

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Mr White also claimed the report "is a real indictment of a government that has presided over the greatest increase in wealth this country has ever seen."

He added: "A real opportunity was available to make significant inroads into the elimination of poverty in our society, but shamefully that opportunity was not taken."

He urged the Government to immediately put into place measures to ensure that the increasing numbers of people losing their jobs as a result of the slowdown are suitably retrained.

"It is now urgent that the Government put in place appropriate programmes to retrain workers as they lose their jobs, for instance, those affected by the slowdown in construction activity. This needs to be done now, rather than ignoring the problem as it develops," he said.

"Tackling inequality and poverty requires further enhancement of social welfare payments. But in addition, the social welfare system needs to reformed to remove poverty traps, and to improve the position of some of those at highest risk of poverty.

"We also must provide better and more efficient public services, especially in health and education, to improve quality of life, and to give people a springboard for a better future," he added.

(VB)