Ireland is at a crossroads - we only move forward if we move forward together.

Published: Tuesday, September 16, 2014

National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today launched their Pre-Budget Submission, calling on the Government to consider the social and economic impact on low and middle income earners, particularly women, before making any Budget decisions.

Alice Mary Higgins, Policy Officer at NWCI said,
“Budget 2015 takes place in a changing landscape. An increase in tax revenues has brought deficit targets within reach.  Meanwhile, right across Europe, there is increasing concern about the long-term economic and social impacts of austerity and a growing recognition of the need for stimulus and strategic investment.” 

“The choices the Government are making this October are not simply about how to balance or what to protect, they are decisions around our priorities and direction as a nation. NWCI are calling on the Government to make sure Budget 2015 takes us closer to, rather than further from a more equal and sustainable Ireland”

Alice Mary Higgins commented,
“Tax reductions to those in the top third of incomes would be a step in the wrong direction and of absolutely no benefit to the 65% of the population surviving on less, than the €32,800 threshold between standard and higher rates of tax, or the 50% of households who would be at risk of poverty were it not for the essential role played by social transfers.  Women are particularly vulnerable to low pay and precarious employment with CSO reporting that 50% of women are earning €20,000 or less.”

“The evidence shows that, rather than a ‘squeezed middle’, it is those on the lowest incomes who have borne the worst impacts of austerity.  Research also shows that it is lower income households who support the economy and job creation by channelling money back into local shops and services.”

“Budget 2015 should therefore invest in raising the incomes and improving the lives of the households in the social base.  NWCI are calling for an increase in Social Protection payments and the minimum wage, along with firm measures, including social and equality clauses, to challenge low paid and precarious work.”

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI, added,
“Increasing women’s participation in the labour force is also critical for recovery. For that we need to ensure that supports are in place. We are calling for increased multi-annual investment into early childhood care and education and out of school hours care that is accessible and affordable with an emphasis on quality including the training and upskilling of staff and developmental outcomes for the children.”

Another priority which NWCI feel has been neglected in much of the debate around Budget 2015 is investment in public services and other key supports.

Alice Mary Higgins commented,
“Many of the public and community services on which we all rely have been cut to inefficient, unsustainable and even dangerous levels over recent years.  If we are to emerge from the crisis with a healthy, functioning society we will need to commit strongly to renewed investment in our public services and social infrastructure..
This also needs to be the Budget where we look at violence against women, which remains a massive, underlying problem. Many frontline services are on the brink of closure after six years of cutbacks, despite experiencing record levels of demand, with over 40,000 calls to helplines last year alone. From 2015 onwards the Irish state may be liable to fines from the EU under the Victims Directive if services are not in place. Meanwhile, Ireland’s legacy of gender based violence has been under an international spotlight.   This needs to be the budget that finally delivers the necessary resources and changes Ireland’s record on violence against women.”

Alice Mary Higgins concluded,
“We are told Ireland may be taking first steps on the road to recovery, but NWCI believe we can only truly move forward if we move forward together.  We need first steps that are sustainable, equitable and reflect women’s voices and experience.”

/Ends

For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104. The Pre Budget Submission will be on the NWCI website from 8 am. Copies available upon request.