The cumulative impact of unemployment, service cuts, exclusions from eligibility for benefits and increases in costs for people on low income are deepening poverty and destitution. We need a new direction to create a more inclusive and equal Ireland.
17/01/2014 – A delegation from the European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland, along with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, today met with the fact-finding mission from the European Parliament’s Economic and Finance Committee to discuss the legacy of the Economic Adjustment Programme agreed between the ‘Troika’ and the Irish Government.
Paul Ginnell, EAPN Ireland Policy Officer, said:
“EAPN Ireland members are deeply concerned that the cumulative impact of unemployment, service cuts, exclusions from eligibility for benefits and increases in costs for people on low income are deepening poverty and destitution. Personal, household and community resources have been depleted by several years of hardship and the degree of social consensus on solving Ireland’s economic and social problems is in danger of breaking down.
“This must be addressed by building social inclusion and anti-poverty measures and strategies into the economic and social recovery and into Economic and Monetary Union, with an emphasis on quality work, adequate income and quality and accessible services, in line with Europe 2020’s Platform Against Poverty and the Active Inclusion strategy.”
During the time of the ‘Economic Adjustment Programme’, EAPN Ireland met the Troika every six months to discuss our concerns and proposals on the direction of the Irish economy.
The following statement lay out our concerns in more detail (from the last meeting with the Troika delegation): EAPN Ireland warns Troika of breakdown of social consensus
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For further information contact
Robin Hanan, 087-xxxxxxxxxx, robin@eapn.ie
Paul Ginnell, Policy officer, 087- xxxxxxxxxx paul@eapn.ie
European Anti Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland
Part of the European Anti-Poverty Network.
EAPN Ireland is a network of anti-poverty groups working to put the eradication of poverty at the top of the EU and Irish agenda through information, training, advocacy and networking.
Equity House, Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7, Ireland.
Website: www.eapn.ie; Phone: +353 (0)1 8745737
