I do not know if the Taoiseach has seen the new report today from Social Justice Ireland. I will outline its main points.

We cannot do that.

If the House is going to deal with it, it is very important. According to Social Justice Ireland the recession has pushed 100,000 more people into poverty, 750,000 people live below the poverty line in the Republic and one in five children live in households with incomes below the poverty line. Obviously the recession is having a huge impact in this country. It is incredible that since 2008, 300 individuals in the State have grown their wealth by €89 billion.

On the one hand, we have 300 individuals who since 2008 have grown their wealth by €89 billion while on the other we have 750,000 people in this State living below the poverty line.

Is the Deputy referring to a piece of legislation or to something in the programme for Government?

It is in legislation. That has happened over eight years, when Fianna Fáil was in government and Fine Gael was in government-----

I am not disputing the facts, but what is the Deputy referring to? Is it the programme for Government or a piece of legislation?

It is proposed legislation. We have to address this issue because this is a social cancer.

To what promised legislation is the Deputy referring?

First, it is to address poverty in this country, but also to address the fact that 300 individuals have acquired €89 billion since 2008. That is absolutely criminal.

Taoiseach, is there legislation?

The Government has to address that. Citizens in this country are suffering because of it. They are not the collateral damage of austerity. This is the human face of austerity and the Government's ideology.

Is there legislation promised?

No, but I am glad to report that there is a continuing drop in the number of unemployed people, a continuing rise in the number of employed people and generally an improvement in the prosperity of the country. Obviously, we want to have an opportunity for so many more people who do not have gainful employment to achieve it. That is the best route out of poverty, as Deputy Kenny is well aware.

Can the Taoiseach address this?