Fifth of Budget cuts 'come from the poor'

One euro in every €5 cut by the Government in Budget 2010 came from the pockets of the poor.

A group representing charities, unions and community groups is calling on the Taoiseach to give an immediate assurance that there will be no more cuts to social welfare or to the minimum wage.

Launching their analisys of Budget 2010 in Dublin today, 'The Poor Can't Pay' group argues that the poorest in society were made to take an unfair burden.

The group said that the impact of cuts on the poorest in society is "devastating".

Refuting the argument that Ireland has higher social welfare rates than many of our EU neighbours - the group said Ireland has the third-lowest rate of payments to individuals in the EU.