CORI reiterates call for increase in social welfare

The Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI) has reiterated its long-running call for increases in social welfare to help tackle poverty in Ireland.

In a pre-budget "policy briefing" published this morning, the organisation said social welfare rates for single people should be increased by €14 a week and for couples by €24 a week.

It also called for a substantial increase in the allocation of social housing and for more medical cards to be made available to vulnerable people.

CORI spokesman Fr Sean Healy said: "For the first time in our history, we could ensure that every man, woman and child had sufficient income to live life with dignity."