Dr. Nat O'Connor:

We think it is certainly a good idea from a social justice perspective but also from an economic one. We need to look at the distribution of income and wealth. That tells us where the demand will be in the economy. If one takes the example of tax cuts that might give €100 back to every person who is employed - there are 1.9 million people employed - that is €190 million but that comes out of public services or social transfers. There are 1 million people of working age who cannot find work due to disability, care duties or unemployment. We need to look at the balance. It is not just about putting more money in people's pockets, it is also about looking at how public services can reduce the cost of living, so that people can be better off.

Equality budgeting is part of the economic framework as well as the social justice framework and it really should be basic to how we do budgets.