The Poor Can’t Pay ask Taoiseach for immediate commitment that welfare will not be cut further and minimum income protected
‘The Poor Can’t Pay’ called on the Taoiseach on Monday 11th January, 2010 to give an immediate assurance that there would be no more cuts in social welfare payments and no cut in the minimum wage.
The call came as the campaign coalition launched a detailed analysis titled ‘How the Poor Were Made to Pay’, which outlines how the 2010 Budget will hit people living in poverty.
The report found that the Budget, announced in December 2009, will have the greatest impact on households already at risk of or living in poverty. The cuts will be worst for children, lone parents, unemployed people, those entering the labour market for the first time and people with disabilities.
The report found that families living on social welfare who were living in poverty before the cut are now living in deeper poverty. Dr. Murphy said: ‘Many households will suffer multiple cuts. For those in receipt of social welfare and low paid workers, this comes on top of job losses and reduced hours. The sick and the elderly will also face new prescription charges.'