Extra cash from proposed new carbon and property taxes should go to helping the least-well off, a coalition of social justice groups claimed today.
The Community and Voluntary Pillar said radical plans to overhaul the country’s tax system could be used to help struggling families, the elderly and vulnerable.
The group criticised the Government, claiming it was protecting those who caused the economic crisis while ignoring the plight of the poor.
Spokesman Ivan Cooper said: “We are particularly concerned that all of the energies of Government appear to be directed at rescuing those that created the current problems and none whatever in protecting services for vulnerable people.
“There is no clear policy emerging on how vulnerable people are to be protected. The only developing policy seems to be a menu of cuts in services which will involve further unnecessary hardship for vulnerable people.”
The Pillar is made up of 17 social justice groups, including Age Action Ireland, Children’s Rights Alliance, Irish Senior Citizens, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Irish Council for Social Housing.
The body demanded the Government consider five proposals to help spread the burden of proposed cuts, including getting better value from public spending, broadening the tax base and reforming the public sector.
Fr Sean Healy said the group was against proposals from the Commission on Taxation to target child benefit, but he claimed tax breaks for the wealthy should be scrapped while windfalls from tax-hikes should be put towards the least well-off.
“Any increased revenue from carbon tax or property tax should be used to improve the situation of the less-well off in Irish society,” Fr Healy said.
Mr Cooper said it was imperative that the well-being of long-term unemployed, elderly, children, disabled and ethnic minority groups are not sacrificed to balance the books.
The group hopes to meet Taoiseach Brian Cowen to discuss their concerns.
PA