Combat Poverty call for social welfare rise in Budget
Combat Poverty has said it is hoping for a flat rate increase of between €10 to €15 on social welfare payments in this year's Budget.
The agency has said that would be a good indicator of whether or not the Government is serious about it's new caring image.
The group also claimed that the Government must improve public services to combat the ever widening gap between the rich and poor in Ireland.
Combat Poverty said the economic success of the Celtic Tiger during the early 1990s had failed to offer the underprivileged hope for a better future.
And Helen Johnston, agency director, said a resurgent economy in the last few months should be used to help create a just and fair society.
“Ireland has become a very divided society with a growing polarisation in income distribution,” Ms Johnston said.
“Our position compared to the developed countries of the EU is a matter of serious concern.
“A key challenge for us now is to build a more successful society through applying policies that promote the elimination of poverty and social exclusion.”
The agency, which works to end poverty and social exclusion, said an EU Measure of Poverty Risk showed 21% of the population lived below the poverty line – the EU average is 15%.
Combat Poverty’s annual report for 2003 showed income distribution in Ireland was in line with the EU average.
But it also revealed the State had a relatively high level of income inequality compared to countries such as Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands.
“The evidence from many of our European neighbours is that substantial poverty reduction can be achieved with economic growth,” Ms Johnston said.
“We have evidence from a number of countries that strong social policies can support and complement economic growth and that poverty is not available.”
Combat Poverty called for increased political will to drive forward the National Action Plan against poverty and social exclusion and for the Government to focus on how policies can reduce poverty.
The agency said adequate social welfare payments were needed for the disabled while ensuring quality public services should also be high on the agenda.
The report also highlighted countries with low levels of poverty tended to have a greater proportion of their social spending on services.
Better education, healthcare, housing and public transport can all lead to a successful society and a more productive economy, the report claimed.
