In Ireland if you are poor your risk of disease and ill health is greatly increased. From the moment of birth being poor in Ireland is a significant risk factor for poor health. This is exacerbated by the Irish health system, the nature of which ensures that better off people have better access to health care. Conversely, those that have most need of health care are least likely to access it. This programme documents the nature of the health risks that the poor suffer in Ireland. It starts from conception and follows through to old age. It speaks to people about their everyday lives and looks at the stresses and strains caused by living in poverty. It also examines the health service. It looks at the inadequacy of primary health care services and at the difficulty the less well off have in accessing secondary health care.