McCarthy: Welfare cuts hit everyone

THE man behind the proposals for some of the most painful spending cuts in history, Colm McCarthy, dismissed claims that the recommendations in his report target the poor and lower earners in particular.

He said it was a myth that those on social welfare are the poorest or the neediest in society as he presented plans for 5% cuts in benefits including the dole and greater cuts in child benefit.

“People keep saying that social welfare payments go to the very poorest people and the very neediest. To a degree that’s just not true. Around €21 billion goes on social welfare and some of it goes to everybody regardless of their income,” he said.