Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Charity chief criticises spending culture at religious ceremonies

THE head of St Vincent de Paul in Cork has hit out at the Communion and Confirmation spending culture at the centre of the hardship state support row, urging people to remember the sacraments themselves "cost nothing".

Despite criticising Government plans to cut in half payments for families taking part in the religious events and those in other belief systems, Brendan Dempsey said the level of spending itself is the bigger problem.

Mr Dempsey, who admitted he is "unlikely to be popular" for making the comment, said add-on costs associated with the events are encouraging already struggling families to spend beyond their means.

And while the cut to the hardship payment may appear cruel, he insisted the money itself could be put to far better use — both for the State and the families involved.

"The Communion and Confirmation have become a fashion parade, and families who can least afford it are spending the most to keep up appearances. The allowance is also being used not just for the Communion dress but very often for the mother or parents who need something to wear for it."

"The Communion and Confirmation are days for the sacraments, a day for God, and what is at the centre of the costs is the days out, not the sacraments. They cost nothing."

The group’s regional representative said that in order to address the spending culture associated with the religious events, the Catholic Church should consider insisting those taking part wear a set uniform "or smock which could be passed on" through the family.

Such a move, he said, would remove the need for any State exceptional needs payments for those taking part in communions, confirmations, bar mitzvahs or any other religious ceremony.

Callers to RTÉ’s Liveline were divided on the issue.

"You know it (the Communion) is coming and you can prepare for it," said one woman, who added that she and her husband had kitted out their seven daughters at their own expense. 

"People on social welfare are getting a lot as it is."

However, another caller said she knew people in the community who are in dire straits and who really needed the money from the State.

"It is just so they can go out and do the basics for their family," she said.