CORI says new partnership deal is ‘major breakthrough’

The group that represents Irish religious orders has described the proposed new partnership agreement as a "major breakthrough on social policy".

In its assessment of the Towards 2016 deal, the Conference of Religious of Ireland says it is particularly happy that the lowest social welfare rate will be set at 30% of the average industrial wage.

It also welcomes commitments on social housing, care for the elderly and mental health services.

CORI spokesman Fr Sean Healy says the fact that the social aspects of the deal are being given equal status to economic factors is a major step forward.