Almost half of proposed cuts effect those on social welfare, low incomes and living in disadvantaged areas
The cuts proposed in social welfare are the largest in 20 years and the total cuts between benefits, supports, services and schemes will cost €2.256bn to people living on social welfare, low incomes and living in disadvantaged areas.
“We are shocked at the extent of the proposed cuts on the most vulnerable in Irish society’, said Mairead Bushnell, SVP National President. “It is not just the proposed cuts in social welfare that is a shock but the combined effect when added to the cuts proposed in areas of health, education and transport is frightening. The effect on those living in disadvantaged areas and rural Ireland will be particularly severe”, she said.
“While we appreciate the difficult economic situation facing the country our immediate concern is to impress on the Government that the most vulnerable, particularly, lone parent families, families with children on low income and the isolated elderly are protected in the way these proposals are considered”, she said.
Ms Bushnell continued, “As an organization that is dedicated to helping those most in need we must also look at how we can provide the additional demands which will undoubtedly come if these proposals are implemented. Already calls for assistance have increased substantially in many areas during the past two years, 97% in Dublin, 71% in Cork and 53% in the Mid West Region.
“For example, just one saving detailed in the report, the reduction in eligibility for the Exceptional Needs Payment, would save the Government €18m. As those who receive this payment mirror the people we help as an organization it is safe to say that if this proposal alone were implemented the SVP would need to double its direct assistance to people living in poverty’