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.
The European Commission this week published the 2015 EU Youth Report. With regard to Ireland, the report reveals that Ireland recorded the highest fall in percentage points in its youth population since 2010 (-4 pp.). Ireland also recorded one of the largest proportions of young citizens leaving the country to settle in another EU Member State, although this trend is declining.
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.
The National Social Monitor 2015 outlines the present situation on a range of policy issues that impact on people’s well-being. Social Justice Ireland presents the National Social Mo
The Living Wage technical paper for 2015 has just been published. The 2015 Living Wage rate is €11.50 per hour. This is the average gross salary required by full-time employed adult (without dependents) to afford a socially acceptable minimum standard of living across Ireland.
There are 272,000 fewer full-time jobs in Ireland today compared to 2007 (-15%). The number of people in part-time jobs is 55,700 higher than in 2007
The full text of a Policy Briefing on Work, Jobs and Unemployment, published by Social Justice Ireland on April 27, 2015 may be accessed here.
Click here to download the references contained in 'Choices for Equity and Sustainability' our Socio-Economic Review 2016.
The Government’s Low Pay Commission should agree to raise the minimum wage towards the living wage level and should also make the two basic income tax credits refundable if they are to really address the ‘working poor’ issue.
