Campaign Group Calls on Government to Adopt Equality Budgeting in Budget 2013

Today, on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the Equality Budgeting Campaign has called on the Government to introduce measures “to put a halt to the growing inequality and poverty seen in Ireland since the beginning of the economic crisis”. The campaign coalition, which includes lone parent groups, disability organisations, migrant organisations, trade unions and women’s groups, among others, says that it is possible for the Government to reverse the current trend toward increased hardship for the poorest people living in Ireland.

“The introduction of equality budgeting in Ireland would give government the necessary information to make critical decisions concerning people’s well-being, and put an end to widening inequalities in Ireland,” says Dr. Clara Fischer, a spokesperson for the campaign.

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“An equality impact assessment of the budgets and equality audits would ensure that economic policies are assessed in terms of their effects on different sections of society so that they do not disproportionately impact on people experiencing poverty and inequality. Currently, there appears to be little regard for the disproportionate impact cuts and tax increases are having, which means that the same people are continuously disadvantaged. The resultant exacerbation of poverty and inequality is not only morally indefensible, but it is also counterproductive to economic recovery. The government must now intervene to ensure a more equitable and prosperous Ireland.”

In the run-up to Budget 2013, the Equality Budgeting Campaign is urging the government to adopt equality budgeting as a means to achieving an alternative to increasing poverty and inequality in Ireland. It wants to see the adoption of such policy processes, which are already integrated in other jursidictions, to “stave off a worsening of the crisis, and to reduce the economic harship and suffering imposed upon an ever-increasing number of people within our society.”

About the Equality Budgeting Campaign:

The Equality Budgeting Campaign is a broad-based coalition of NGOs, trade unions and concerned individuals seeking the introduction of equality budgeting in Ireland. Members include the National Women’s Council of Ireland, the Irish Feminist Network, SIPTU, Unite the Trade Union, the Irish Network Against Racism, SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids), Kilbarrack Community Development Project, LGBT Noise and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, among others. The campaign was set up in light of research showing increased levels of inequality in Ireland and the apparent targeting of certain sections of Irish society by successive governments since the beginning of the economic crisis. To support the campaign, please follow this link.


Cross-posted from Politico, 17th October 2012:
http://www.politico.ie/social-issues/8765-campaign-group-calls-on-government-to-adopt-equality-budgeting-in-budget-2013.html