Madam, – Vincent Browne (Opinion, October 7th) rightly challenges the views expressed by Tom O’Connell, assistant director general of the Central Bank, that social welfare rates should be reduced.
Significant, powerful, sections of Irish society are advocating reductions in social welfare payments as a type of panacea for all our economic ills. The view that people on social welfare should be made to pay for the mistakes of others is deplorable.
The INOU is deeply concerned at the lack of urgency being given to resolving the unemployment crisis. We have recently published our pre-budget submission. In it, we challenge all calls to reduce social welfare payments and outline a range of ways in which people on social welfare can be supported in making the transition from welfare to employment, education or training. The submission is on our website, www.inou.ie. We’ll ensure Mr O’Connell receives a copy. – Yours, etc,