The Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI) has said yesterday's Budget has widened the gap between Ireland's rich and poor.
This gap is the widest in the EU, CORI claimed.
In its assessment of the Budget 2003, the group said the Government has failed to tackle in any meaningful way the deficits in infrastructure and social provision. This leaves Ireland far below the EU average level in these areas.
According to CORI's calculations, an unemployed couple with one child will be 25 cents a week better off in real terms than they were last year.
In addition, there will be a substantial loss of essential services in local communities that were delivered up to now by Community Employment projects, CORI said.
"Many of the cutbacks outlined in the budget will result in a reduced level of healthcare, education and public services which will affect most of those who are already poor or experiencing social exclusion," CORI added.
However, CORI welcomed the Government's decision to impose an three-year levy of €100 million on the banks and the increased excise duty on so-called alcopops.