Neither the Troika nor the Government is listening to the message
that many people are in serious family, financial and personal
difficulties because of austerity, according to the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul (SVP).The Society’s National President, Geoff Meagher, has written to Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank, expressing concern about the situation of vulnerable groups due to the effects of the economic crisis on struggling households.
A reply has been received from the Bank’s head of press information, saying, “Unfortunately, given the very large size of the adjustment that needs to take place, it is not possible to completely exclude the most vulnerable groups that also have to share in the burden.”
SVP National Vice-President for Social Justice, Tom MacSweeney, said this reply indicates a lack of understanding that there are many families, and people, who do not have enough money to live on.
He asked where the Troika and Government think people without the basics are going to get money to meet increased taxes and other demands on them.
The Minister for Social Protection had also declined to meet the Society to discuss its pre-Budget submission asking for relief for those who have already borne the brunt of cutbacks and who are unable to take any more.
“The impact of cuts to incomes and services has been most keenly felt by those least able to afford it. The SVP is experiencing an increase of over 80 per cent in demand for our services since 2009 and is spending €70m a year to help families and individuals in need,” he said.
“More people who never before had to seek help from the Society are now approaching us. We are saying to the Government and the Troika, listen to us, we are telling you that people are suffering badly.”
He quoted SVP Founder, Frederic Ozanam, stating there has been enough discussion of political issues, and it is now time to discuss the social issues that should be of the greatest concern.
“A nation is not just an economy, it is made up of people and the Government has an obligation to look after them,” he said.
In the SVP submission for Budget 2013, the charity called for individuals and families to have a sufficient income to afford a minimum essential standard of living.
It asked that income supports for children and to facilitate welfare to work must be protected, including support to families in low paid employment.
Critical community public health services must be protected including the 99 Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams. It also stated that the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold should not increase beyond €132 per month.
Expenditure in areas that affect the most educationally disadvantaged should be maintained and the cost of e-books and school transports are concerns.
SVP also asked for the necessary funding for the Better Energy, Warmer Homes programme in 2013 and beyond.
“All these areas should be prioritised above the repayment of banking debt, and the ratio of expenditure cuts to tax increases in closing the budget deficit must be reversed. Eliminating waste, reducing non-core costs and improving efficiency in the public sector are key to any savings,” stated SVP in its submission.
In the build up to Christmas, the SVP Annual Appeal is underway.
It involves 10,500 volunteers helping to provide over 150,000 people, with food, toys and fuel.
The charity is appealing for toys (RTÉ 2FM Toy appeal), food and cash and for individuals and businesses to donate and fundraise in whatever way they can.