The 30th of July is World Day against Trafficking in Persons. A day designed by the UN to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights”.
‘Social Justice Matters Policy Brief’ is a series designed to provide independent and in-depth analysis on important social policy issues and to present policy options that should be prioritised in the coming years. In this issue we look at the importance of community and participation, at local, regional and national levels.
Citizen participation and building real engagement at local level is vital to re-engage people in the democratic process. Ensuring that people are involved in making the decisions that affect them and their communities is a key element of real democracy. True involvement requires participation that goes beyond voting and representative democracy.
Despite significant progress over the past few months, Ireland remains in a period of enormous uncertainty. Optimistic assumptions point towards a rebound in economic activity and employment from late 2021 or early 2022. Conversely, pessimistic assumptions fear ongoing public health related disruptions and a slow emergence from the Covid-19 crisis. Most likely, the reality lies somewhere in between - but there are limited clues as to where.
Budget Choices 2022 contains detailed, fully-costed Budgetary packages across more than a dozen policy areas including health, housing, education, welfare, sustainability and more; it also contains a range of costed, revenue-raising proposals.
Despite the immediate uncertainty, Budget 2022 must embrace the need for new approaches to how we as a society prioritise choices. People, well-being, public services and a widespread and fair recovery must come first.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted inequalities in society in both health and socio-economic terms. Health inequalities exposed other inequalities as links between those deemed most likely to contract the virus and groups such as those in overcrowed conditions, elderly and/or vulnerable people became more and more visible. These inequalities have meant that for some, coping with the changes brought about by the pandemic, has been very difficult. The community and voluntary sector supported these vulnerable members of society. They worked together with State bodies to bring supports to those in need, while helping to inform policy on protecting the most vulnerable at national level. They must continue to be supported as long as these inequalities exist and be supported to plan for the future.
The Programme for Government contained several commitments which, if fully resourced and implemented, would represent significant steps towards creating a fairer and more just Ireland. As we emerge into a new post-Covid reality, our latest National Social Monitor looks at whether Government is delivering on its commitments in key areas and suggests that, so far, Government’s achievements are not matching its commitments.
How we plan our finances, and what we choose to prioritise, post-Covid-19, will have profound implications for the future of our economy and society. To this end Social Justice Ireland proposed to the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight that the priorities for Budget 2022 should be adequate social welfare rates and poverty reduction, just taxation, housing for all and tackling unemployment.
