Trade unions launch alternative economic policy for period up to 2020

Trade unions involved in the Right2Water campaign are gathering in Dublin this morning to launch an alternative economic framework.

It follows weeks of submissions from those involved in the campaign.

The framework outlines what they say a "progressive government" would do in budgetary terms up to 2020.

In total, it provides for an extra €9.4 billion over four years with increased spending on public services and income supports by more than 10%.

They want to raise employers’ PRSI rates to fund this spending.

Sinn Fein's Social Protection Spokesperson, Aengus O'Snodaigh, said the policies of candidates for the next General Election will be judged against the principles set out today.

"Into the future, all candidates for all parties would be given a challenge on whether they'd sign up to key principles or not.

"Today is all about … what those key principles are."