Working to build a just society where human rights are respected, human dignity is protected, human development is facilitated and the environment is respected and protected.

Ireland following OECD trend on employment income taxes but still low compared to most countries in 2011

The average tax and social security/insrance burden on employment incomes increased in 26 out of 34 OECD countries in 2011 according to the new OECD Taxing Wages publication.

Ireland faces challenge in meeting Europe 2020 Broadband targets

The Government faces a significant challenge in meeting the Europe 2020 Broadband targets as outlined by the report of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce which was published last week. 

Basic Income would help reduce inequality and poverty

Inequality and poverty must be addressed effectively and soon if the current growing polarisation process being experienced within countries and between countries is to be halted and reversed. 

Unemployment rising across the Euro area - Government policy of relying on export led growth and job creation unsustainable

Unemployment continues to rise across the EU as detailed in the latest figures from Eurostat. The euro area (EA17) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10.9% in March 2012, compared with 9.9% in March 2011. 

Government lessens its commitment to reducing poverty - Revised Poverty Target in NRP 2012

The Government has just published the National Reform Programme 2012 Update for Ireland which contains, amongst other information a revised poverty target under Ireland’s commitments to the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Minimum Income Standard Calculator launched

The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice and MABS National Development Ltd. have launched a Minimum Income Standard calculator for Irish households. This tool will allow households to calculate the cost of a Minimum Essential Standard of Living. 

Government growth forecast reduced by half for 2012

The Government has reduced its growth forecast for 2012 from 1.3% to 0.7% and for 2013 from 2.4% to 2.2%. The revised forecasts were outlined in the Stability Programme Update – April 2012. 

Unjust and Indefensible that Ireland must bear the current debt burden – just to protect Europe’s banks

  • Ireland’s debt is not the debt of the Irish public – it is partly caused by the reckless gambling of German and French banks
  • Our current crisis cannot be rectified fairly by prioritising expenditure cuts so as to keep taxes among the lowest in the EU
  • Youth unemployment is at an all-time high of 30 per cent.
  • Having a job is not, of itself, a guarantee that one lives in a poverty-free household

New study shows poverty numbers rising in Ireland even though poverty line is falling

The number of people at risk of poverty in Ireland has grown from 14.1% in 2009 to 15.8% in 2010 according to the latest Survey on Income and Living Condidtions (SILC) conducted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Policy Issues - A to Z

A wide range of material on many policy issues is available on this website. A list of these issues, arranged in alphabetical order, may be accessed here

Social Justice Ireland's Analysis and Critique of Budget 2012 - FULL TEXT

Social Justice Ireland has produced a 24-page Analysis and Critique of Budget 2012.

Purchase 'A New and Fairer Ireland' - Social Justice Ireland's annual Socio-Economic Review

You may purchase Social Justice Ireland's Socio-Economic Review 2011 entitled A New and Fairer Ireland for €15 (including packaging and postage)

Welfare State may support only middle-class and better off people if present trends continue.

Poor people likely to lose out if the challenges facing the welfare state are not addressed comprehensively.   The Welfare State in the years ahead may support only middle-class and better off people.

Purchase 'The Future of the Welfare State'

You can purchase Social Justice Ireland's publication on The Future of the Welfare State for €15 (including packaging and postge). 

Purchase 'Building a Fairer Tax System - The Working Poor and the Cost of Refundable Tax Credits'

You may purchase Social Justice Ireland's publication on 'Building a Fairer Tax System - The Working Poor and the Cost of Refundable Tax Credits' for €10 (including packaging and postage). 

Sharing Responsibility in Shaping the Future - 2011 - Full text

Sharing Responsibility in Shaping the Future was published on September 14, 2011
The full text of the book is available here.
The individual chapters of the book may be downloaded via the links below:

Shaping Ireland's Future - Socio-Economic Review 2012 - Full Text

Social Justice Ireland's 300-page annual Socio-Economic Review for 2012 is titled: Shaping Ireland's Future: Securing Economic Development, Social Equity and Sustainability.

The Future of the Welfare State - 2010 - Full Texts

The Future of the Welfare State was published by Social Justice ireland on September 21, 2010.
The full book is available here
Chapter one, entitled 'The future of the welfare state: An Overview' by Tony Fahey is available here.

Unemployment continues to rise in EU - Ireland fourth worst out of 27 countries

Unemployment continues its steady rise in the EU.  Ireland's unemployent rate is the fourth worst of the 27 EU countries with only Spain, Greece and Portugal with higher levels.