Groups urge some cuts to be overturned

Social rights groups have turned up the heat on the Government, demanding some budget cuts be overturned.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) said changes to jobseeker’s allowance were “bizarre” and done purely to save money at a time of crisis youth unemployment.

In the budget, Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin announced that the €100 reduced rate of jobseeker’s allowance would be extended to all those up to age 22, while for new entrants from January, it will extend to age 24. The reduced rate of €144 will apply to those reaching 25 from January.