Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Representatives of Social Justice Ireland appeared before the committee recently. They have a very good analysis of the budget. They pointed out that we are wealthier than at any time in our history, yet almost 630,000 people are living below the poverty line, 190,000 of whom are children. Its analysis also found that in last year's budget the rich-poor gap increased to its highest level since its analysis commenced, meaning the gap between those on the highest incomes and those on the lowest has widened as a result of policy choices. Government put €1,214 per annum more into the pockets of someone on €100,000 a year than it gave to someone on the lowest income.

The Social Justice Ireland analysis demonstrated how low-income working families, those with incomes below the standard rate have gained least from Government measures over the past five years and that we cannot keep ignoring these workers and families. It has continually highlighted the relevance of refundable tax credits as a means of making the taxation system fairer and helping this low-income group. How can the Minister defend the budgetary policy of recent years, which has been grossly unfair to low-income working families? Is the proposal that has been put forward by Social Justice Ireland for years about refundable tax credits that would actually help low-income working families under consideration as part of this budgetary process?