A brief snapshot on how Ireland is performing in terms of rural development and some policy proposals.
Social Justice Ireland today (April 4, 2016) presents its latest EU-wide study to the EU's Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels. Entitled 'Europe: A Union for the Powerless as well as the Powerful' it analyses what has been happening in all 28 EU countries on issues such as poverty, unemployment, services and taxation.
The next Programme for Government should be focused on delivering five key outcomes: a vibrant economy, decent services and infrastructure, just taxation, good governance and sustainability. Each of these is essential if Ireland is to have a fairer future. These five areas of policy need to be addressed urgently if Ireland is to move towards being a society characterised by solidarity and fairness. They form the core of Social Justice Ireland’s proposed framework for the next Programme for Government.
Social Justice Ireland's policy briefing ' A Proposed Policy Framework for the Government of the 32nd Dáil' is available below.
Ireland has been through many “boom-Bust” economic cycles. Each “bust” has led to assurances that lessons have been learned and that changes will be made to ensure that the next recovery will be sustainable. Election 2016 occurs at the cusp of such discussions and offers us an opportunity to vote for policies which can indeed break the “boom-bust” cycle and deliver a more stable future. Real sustainability will require a long term vision and a capacity to develop and implement policies which will have their impact in 10 or even 20 years’ time.
An unequal and two tier recovery is emerging in Ireland. Poverty rates at all levels are higher in rural areas and the median income is lower in rural Ireland. While employment is increasing in urban areas, unemployment is still a significant challenge for rural Ireland.
Social Justice Ireland's General Election briefing on Rural Ireland.
General Election 2016 comes at a critical moment for Ireland. Decisions made in the next Dáil will have major impacts on Irish people and shape the future for a considerable time to come. In this General Election Briefing, Social Justice Ireland sets out proposals for the 32nd Dáil that would deliver a vibrant economy, decent services and infrastructure, just taxation, good governance and sustainability.
Social Justice Ireland's briefing on General Election 2016.
We are focussing far too much on the performance of the economy and not nearly enough on issues such as aging, social housing and sustainability, that have major implications for the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole according to the National Social Monitor 2015 published by Social Justice Ireland. It goes on to argue that a balance is required between the various aspects of life if the wellbeing of this and future generations is to be secured.
