EAPN (Ireland) has characterised Budget 2027 as ‘failing to take decisive action on the catastrophic cost of living and housing crises’ which will ensure that ‘fundamental inequalities remain’, according to EAPN Director Clare Daly.

Speaking after the unveiling of the budget, Ms Daly said, ‘ It is really regrettable that decisive action was not taken to begin to get to grips with the record levels of inequality in the state. True, certain increases in social welfare payments and the minimum wage are welcome, and will bring some slight improvement in income, but this will be offset by the continuing spiralling of energy prices, groceries and accommodation costs. These piecemeal steps mean at best the most vulnerable will stand still, but with global uncertainty as a result of war and climate change it is more likely that their living standards will regress’.

“We need to tackle the growing gulf between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’” she said, “ but yet again, the Government has failed to introduce a wealth tax. Even if only the top 1% of households were targeted at a rate of 1.2%, this would yield €1 billion per annum, rising to €1.7 billion at 2% and €2.5 billion at 3 percent. This money if ring fenced and targeted at the most vulnerable could make a serious dint in improving the situation of those in consistent poverty, It is really disappointing that a second targeted child benefit payment aimed at the most vulnerable was not introduced. This has the potential to be transformative and could have been funded by a wealth tax, but the Government chose not to go there….a big mistake, yet again.

“It is also a wasted opportunity that the second-tier targeted child benefit payment was not implemented.  This has the potential to directly intervene with some of the most marginalised in society and have a major impact on those in danger of criminalisation as a result of poverty. Assisting people directly keeps families together, avoids intergenerational trauma and is massively cheaper. We need urgent action in this area and to deal with the housing and cost of living crises. The budget did not even scratch the surface and will have negligible impact, where it is needed most.”

“Inequality now remains a huge threat to our society. The best post-budget antidote is a trip to our public meeting ‘Global Inequality is threatening the world, what can we do about it? In the New Theatre, Temple Bar, Wednesday October 14th, 7pm, or People, Policy & Place in Galway on Friday Oct. 16th..All welcome.”