The four-year National Recovery Plan is bad for the economy, society and social cohesion, Social Justice Ireland said.
“The weak, the sick and the working poor will take an unfair proportion of the hit as Ireland struggles to recover from the reckless actions of greedy bankers, incompetent regulators and an inept Government, group director Sean Healy said.
Social Justice Ireland said the proposed €2.8 billion cuts to the welfare budget represented a drop of €40 per week for a single person between next year and 2014, rising to €62 per week if the old age-pension is not cut.
“These proposals are outrageous and unjust,” Mr Healy said. “Most of those receiving welfare payments are in poverty already. Reducing their incomes in this way is going to push them into deeper poverty.”
The group said that by focusing on spending cuts rather than tax increases the Government appeared to be targeting the sick and poor and protecting the wealthy.
“Those who had no hand, act or part in creating Ireland’s current grave problems are being targeted to take an unjust and unfair proportion of the adjustment required."
