Gathering statistics and conducting research is nothing new to the Society. From our beginnings in Northern Ireland back in 1848, old minute books and archives reveal an enthusiasm for monitoring the effects of poverty on the most vulnerable people in our society.
Today this activity continues in a more scientific and professional way. Throughout Ireland major studies have been conducted on the population by teams of vincentians well placed in every parish to record as much information as possible.
During 2002 a study was conducted in conjunction with the University of Ulster on the effects of "Transgenerational Poverty".
Other annual studies include our Christmas Questionnaire and our Annual Report which both reflect who is being helped and how much is being spent.