The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has lobbied the Oireachtas
Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform for three areas of
change they believe need to be addressed.SVP Head of Social justice and Poverty, John-Mark McCafferty, told the Oireachtas Committee that the SVP was advocating for a living income in and out of work, reduced child poverty and better energy affordability.
In his submission, he said that as part of the SVP’s pre-budget submission the organisation was “seeking a living income in and out of work through the protection of social welfare rates, as set out in the Programme for Government.”
In addition, eligibility for payments and associated secondary benefits must not be eroded further, the SVP warned.
In his submission, John-Mark McCafferty said that as employment is critical to tackling poverty, Family Income Supplement (FIS) needs to be retained, with the assessment continuing to be based on net income.
“In addition, the withdrawal rate, payment rate, and qualifying thresholds must all be maintained. FIS provides greater income support for families who are working than those who are not.” Mr McCafferty said.
On the question of child poverty and increased child well-being, Mr McCafferty said “Child Income Support payments must be reformed in a way that protects the incomes of families who are struggling and makes Family Income or a better alternative, available to all low waged working families, both now and in the future.”
He added, “The free pre-school year needs to be protected, extending from 38 to 48 weeks and over time to the two years prior to school, with funding conditional to adherence to quality frameworks.”
He called for better energy affordability for low income households reflected in adequate targeted income supports, the fulfilment of retrofitting targets as part of the area-based / Better Energy approach and resources for a National House Conditions Survey under the Warmer Homes Strategy.
This strategy requires joint working between Ministers Burton, Rabbitte and O’Sullivan to progress it in a meaningful way, he suggested.
“It is the responsibility of Government to lead and make the choices which will tackle Ireland’s budget deficit in a fair and equitable way. Government can choose to close the gap between Ireland’s revenue and expenditure while protecting vulnerable people and the services they rely on. We strongly oppose any further reductions in social expenditure as the people we assist and those who are struggling throughout Ireland have suffered enough.” Mr McCafferty said.
The SVP is currently organising an online campaign (www.svp.ie/yourvoice) to give a voice to those who support the ending of austerity budgets as the cumulative impact of austerity measures to date on individuals, families and communities has been devastating.