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NWCI calls for investment in essential public services at National Economic Dialogue

Published: Thursday, July 16, 2015

At the National Economic Dialogue today, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) called on the Government to prioritise investment in essential public services and infrastructure, particularly childcare, and reduce inequalities between women and men in Budget 2016.

Prioritise Public Investment for all over Tax Cuts for the few

The Government has previously indicated that 50% of any increase fiscal space in Budget 2016 might be earmarked for tax cuts.

However, Orla O’Connor Director of NWCI highlighted 
“Previous tax cuts have benefited those on higher incomes far more than the women who have been disproportionately affected by both the erosion of wages and services and the cuts to public services over recent years.”

“Throughout the recession, the Gender Pay Gap has widened from 12.6% to 14.4 % with a Gender Pension Gap of 35%.  Half of women workers now earn €20,000 or less, far less than the national median wage of €28,500. ESRI report a 14% income loss for women in couples, versus 9% for men during the recession.  It is also women’s unpaid care work which has had  to bridge many of the gaps opened up by cuts to community and public services.”

“If this is to be a ‘legacy budget’ for the current Government, it needs to take concrete steps towards a more equal and sustainable Ireland. Instead of tax breaks and cuts any additional resources should be directed towards urgent repair of the damage done during the recession and investment in public services and essential national infrastructure that benefit all in society.”

Childcare as Essential Infrastructure

Orla O’Connor added,
“A key priority for the Government must be to invest in affordable, accessible, quality childcare. Ireland continues to lag behind all its European neighbours and spends less than half the OECD average on childcare.  NWCI is calling for Ireland to scale up childcare investment to the recommended 1% of GDP over the next 5 years, starting with the introduction of a second free pre-school year and improved after-school care.  Better Family Leave policies are another important recognition of care in our economy and society and delivery of the promised two week paid paaternity leave in Budget 2016 will be one crucial step forward.”

Attach strong Social Clauses to all public spending

Orla O’Connor said,
“If we want to see real economic and social development, we need to see a more joined up approach from Government.  NWCI believe Budget 2016 should prioritise the attachment of strong Social Clauses, including gender equality and decent work requirements, to all areas of public spending including public procurement and enterprise grants”. 

“60% of low paid workers are women and Social Clauses could be one step towards tackling the rise in in-work poverty, a gender pay gap which has widened from 12.6% to 14.4% and the spread of precarious work and insecure contracts. We also need stronger regulation  around decent conditions and pay for workers, including a significant increase in the minimum wage.  It is important to remember that these wages are spent in local towns and businesses and are the true lifeblood of recovery and growth."

Ensuring a more Equal and Transparent Budget

Orla O’Connor concluded,
“The National Economic Dialogue has the potential to contribute towards a more engaged budgetary process. However it cannot take the place of much wider consultation and NWCI continue to call for all budgetary proposals to be subject to mandatory gender and equality proofing and social impact assessment to ensure that Ireland’s Budget works to the benefit of all in society.”

Ends/


For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, Tel. 085 858 9104.