INOU calls for social welfare to be protected in Budget

The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) is calling on the Government not to cut social welfare any further in December's budget.

The group is launching its pre-Budget Submission this morning.

It is calling on the Government to invest in job creation, and is also recommending that no further cuts are made to voluntary or community organisations which provide vital assistance to those most in need.

Head of policy at the INOU Brid O'Brien said those who could afford to pay more should be hit hardest.

"Ireland needs to look at a comprehensive property/wealth tax. We're one of the few European countries that doesn't have such a tax. In other countries it brings in significant income."

She added the Universal Social Charge and an expected property tax were seen by the organisation as regressive.