Ireland’s current level of investment is the lowest of any EU country. 

       Government should increase basic social welfare rates and PAYE tax credits by €5 in Budget 2014

This is essential because the value of basic social welfare payments has fallen when measured against average weekly earnings across all employment sectors since the downturn began.  The Old Age Pension system should be replaced with a universal pension paid at the current rate of the Contributory Old Age Pension.

There has been some confusion and misrepresentation of Social Justice Ireland’s position on income tax in the media. 

Here's the real story. As part of its Policy Briefing on ‘Budget Choices 2014’ Social Justice Ireland has made a number of recommendations on income taxation.  These recommendations are:

Social Justice Ireland Policy Briefing on Budget 2014 sets out a fully-costed set of proposals.

It argues that:

Social Justice Ireland Policy Briefing on Budget Choices 2014 sets out a fully-costed set of proposals.

BUDGET 2014 should end cuts, meet borrowing target and introduce a minimum corporate tax rate, while protecting the working poor.’

It argues that:

Government claims that Budget 2013 was “as fair as it could be” are untrue.

For the second year in a row this Government introduced a Budget that was deeply regressive, both socially and economically. It did nothing to foster economic recovery or to provide a vision and direction for the country.

• The current approach to resolving Ireland’s series of crises is not working.
• This situation has been exacerbated by the Government’s protection of the rich at the expense of the rest of us.
• Budget 2013 should provide a major investment programme and protect public services.

Social Justice Ireland welcomes the Troika's call on Government to minimise the burden of adjustment on the most vulnerable in Budget 2013.  In a statement at the conclusion of the eighth quarterly review of Ireland's Bailout, the Troika state: "The measures adopted in Budget 2013 should be durable, as growth-friendly as possible, and minimise the burden of adjustment on the most vulnerable."

At a briefing to Oireachtas Members the Community and Voluntary Pillar (CVP) called on the Government to make decisions that are fair and just, that protect the vulnerable and ensure that the cost of Ireland’s restructuring is fairly spread.  Social Justice Ireland is a member of the Community and Voluntary Pillar.