Politicians and the public were today urged to pledge their support to protect vulnerable households from further cuts.
The Poor Can’t Pay group launched an online campaign to stop those who depend on social welfare from being targeted in the next budget.
It revealed it plans to lobby all TDs, senators and councillors to commit to the cause on www.thepoorcantpay.ie
Dr Mary Murphy, spokeswoman, said: “The Poor Can’t Pay is calling for a clear recognition that the people on the lowest incomes in Irish society have already been asked to carry more than their fair share of the burden and their incomes should not be cut further”.
The Poor Can’t Pay is a coalition of leading community organisations, charities and trade unions including Age Action, Barnardos, EAPN Ireland, Focus Ireland, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Mandate, the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Siptu, Saint Vincent de Paul and Social Justice Ireland.
They stressed those on lower incomes have already been hit during the economic crisis, from job losses to 5 per cent reductions in social welfare payments.
Dr Murphy said while the Croke Park agreement protects the wages of public servants next year, Government was unable to offer those on the lowest incomes the same assurance.
“The campaign is seeking support from all sections of Irish society but will particularly seek to get TDs, senators and councillors to make enter into the commitment,” added Dr Murphy.
PA