Cutting social funds - Poverty far from being history

Controversy continues to rage over the Government’s budgetary cuts. “Fairness must be the cornerstone of all our efforts to achieve economic renewal,” Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan declared on introducing the emergency budget in April. “Those who have most must give most.”

Cutting social funds - Poverty far from being history

But the Government has been targeting public bodies that were setup to monitor and raise public awareness of those who have least. As a result of the 43% cut in its annual budget, the chief executive of the Equality Authority and several members of its board resigned.

There has been tension for some years between the authority and the Department of Justice, under which it operates. If it were not for other attacks on similar agencies, people might be tempted to dismiss this as part of a bureaucratic turf war.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited