Welfare inequity - System is unfair

One of the groups that has suffered severely in this recession is the self-employed. Many small businesses have had to close up shop.

Others, tradesmen and shopkeepers, have seen incomes dwindle to unsustainable levels. Many have shown grit but, in many cases, sadly to no avail. Our economic circumstances are so very grim that even the most inventive, energetic and independent people cannot overcome them.

At that point many have found they are treated far less favourably than other workers by our social welfare system. Many, despite once offering employment and paying their taxes, are left, by and large, to fend for themselves. This is wrong, and it is appropriate that the Dáil’s Social Protection Committee should consider the issue. Any change will inevitably involve a cost but there is a far stronger argument for this kind of support than for many others now considered sacred.

It might also persuade the very kind of person we need to help rebuild this economy to batten down the hatches and try to survive the recession rather than emigrate, as so many have done already.