Ireland’s largest housing association has accused the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, TD of neglecting lower income families in society by imposing a 1% income levy. Respond! Housing Association contends that the Government has punished the vulnerable in Irish society who will now be forced further into poverty as a result of Budget 2009.
According to John Hannigan, Respond! Company Treasurer:
“This is a disastrous budget for the low earners and vulnerable people in our society. There is very little for the working poor who will be hardest hit by the 1% income levy and VAT increase of 0.5%. Families living on, or below, the minimum wage will now see their income cut even more. At the same time, rising inflation means the cost of goods and services are increasing rapidly all around them. The net result will be increased hardship for families and an increase in those seeking social welfare assistance.”
Respond! has also expressed disgust at the decision by Minister Lenihan to merge the Combat Poverty Agency with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The housing charity claims this will end the Agency’s ability to provide independent research and an assessment of government policy on poverty. Respond! claims that this announcement by Minister Lenihan simply shows that this Government are not serious about eliminating poverty in Ireland.
“This government has effectively robbed the poor in Ireland of its voice by merging the Combat Poverty Agency with the Department of Social and Family Affairs” added Mr Hannigan. “Combat Poverty was an advocate for the vulnerable in Irish society and provided objective recommendations on solutions which work towards eradicating poverty. 300,000 Irish citizens, including one in nine children, continue to live in consistent poverty, a statistic that is only going to increase following this latest budget” concluded Mr Hannigan.
Respond! is Ireland's largest not for profit Housing Association. They seek to create a positive future for people by alleviating poverty and creating vibrant, socially integrated communities. Respond! do this through providing access to education, childcare, community development programmes, housing and other supports.
