Contrary to Government statements in recent months, Ireland’s social welfare system is not overly generous when compared to other EU 15 member states, according to research compiled by the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland.
‘Social Welfare: How Ireland Compares in Europe‘, which uses Eurostat figures for comparative purposes, states that a single, unemployed claimant in Ireland actually receives the third smallest amount in benefits in the EU 15. Furthermore, the research challenges suggestions from the Government that Ireland spends more on social protection than other EU member states. The study from EAPN Ireland demonstrates that while EU member states are spending on average 27% of GDP on social protection, Ireland spends just 18%, the lowest in the EU 15.
Read more on EAPN Ireland’s website.
