Welfare steps hailed by church group
“By raising the lowest rate by €20 a week the government honoured the commitment, it made in its National Anti-Poverty Strategy,” CORI Justice director Fr Seán Healy said.
“We regret the failure to raise the eligibility threshold for medical cards. What is required is full medical card coverage for all vulnerable people in Ireland. This should have been addressed given the resources that are available,” he said.
Also, the failure to provide substantial additional direct funding for community and voluntary organisations that provide services in local communities across the country is most disappointing, CORI said.
“The Budget also made significant progress in addressing the social exclusion experienced by vulnerable groups such as older people and children and those in need in areas such as disability, mental health, caring and social housing,” he said.
However, “the Budget’s reduction of the top tax rate by 1% to 41% was not the fairest use of the available money”, Fr Healy said.
“The increase in the allocation for care services for older people is welcome.”
On the issue of child poverty, CORI said a more comprehensive approach will be required if there is to be a reduction.
