Poverty and Conflict in Ireland: An International Perspective is intended to identify and assess the relationships between anti-poverty and social inclusion measures and conflict resolution processes, drawing on national and international experiences. It seeks to contribute towards a better understanding of the two dimensions of poverty-conflict relationship: poverty as a cause of conflict and poverty as a consequence of conflict. In understanding this we will be better able to devise policies which promote both social inclusion and peace-building.
The report sets out for the first time, in an Irish context, the relationships between poverty and conflict. It comprehensively reviews international literature on the subject and applies the lessons to the Irish situation. As expected, the relationship between poverty and conflict is not a straightforward one, but dependent on many contextual factors. Nevertheless, important lessons emerge about how to address poverty and conflict issues in a post-conflict society. These need to be addresses in future anti-poverty policies and reconstruction programmes.