Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move recommendation No. 12:

In page 146, after line 36, to insert the following:“Sustainable Development Report

64.The Minister shall, within six months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report assessing the impact of the Finance Act 2018 on the progressive implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 10, including target 10.1, to progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average. The report should also include proposals of how this target may be progressed by the Department of Finance in 2020.”.

The Minister of State will be aware that Ireland played a leading role in negotiating and securing a global framework for sustainable development goals. However, we have been weak in the implementation of those goals. Notably, it was reported in newspapers yesterday that Ireland is the worst-performing country in the EU in terms of climate action.

The recommendation addresses the specific target set under goal 10 of the sustainable development goals to reduce inequality between and within countries. It specifically aims to achieve progressively and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average. This target is very much the specific responsibility of the Department of Finance and relates to the taxation policy that is pursued.

The ESRI reported that budget 2019 will result in a net reduction in household disposable income. We need transparency and accountability on the comparative impact of the measures in budget 2019 and all future budgets on households and individuals at all levels of income. In addition to advocating for the sustainable development goals in other contexts, we need to lead by example and put into practice the policies and income redistribution and other measures required to achieve them in our country.