The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s pre-Budget submission to the Government has pointed out that the vast bulk of expenditure on Social Welfare remains in Ireland where it is spent by those who receive it, who are the most marginalised and least well-off people.
The Society contrasts this with the way in which wealthy people have moved their money out of Ireland or become ‘tax exiles’ to avoid paying taxes in Ireland.
“The vast bulk of the social welfare budget does not ‘leak’ out of the country.
Social Welfare recipients tend not to have the luxury of investing or saving money. They use it directly in their local economy,” the Society said in its submission to the Government.
SVP PROPOSALS TO GOVERNMENT ON THE BUDGET
• The SVP does not believe that any reduction in Social Welfare rates is either warranted or economically sensible.
• The Christmas Bonus should be reinstated as a matter of urgency to alleviate the anxiety of hard-pressed families and pensioners.
• Energy costs are still high, so there should be no reduction in the Fuel Allowance payment.
• A Carbon Tax must include waivers for those on Social Welfare payments.
The full pre-Budget submission by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul which includes the detailed proposals can be read here.