Ireland spends less per capita on social programmes than any other EU state, the Community Platform (CP) today claimed.
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As the Government prepares to begin talks, which start next month, on a new partnership deal, the CP, which is made up of 26 national networks and organisations representing hundreds of thousands of people, issued a reminder that industrial relations is not the only aspect of partnership.
Publishing a leaflet outlining their negotiating position today, CP said that borrowing would be necessary to fund programmes aimed at narrowing the gap between rich and poor.
CP spokesperson Ms Frances Byrne said: "It must be remembered that Ireland continues to have the lowest social expenditure in the EU. The economic growth of recent years has delivered substantial results in terms of those taking up employment but an estimated 200,000 people are still living in consistent poverty".
The CP have identified key areas at which spending must be aimed.Thse include people on social welfare;improved childcare, eldercare and support for people with disabilities; greater access to education for most disadvantaged; and employment opportunities for low-income groups.
Chairing today's launch, Senator David Norris said community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations make a "disproportionately valuable contribution to Irish life. The voice of the Community Platform is particularly vital at this critical time during the new national negotiations".
Today's call comes after the Conference of Religious Ireland (CORI) Justice Commission called for tax increases in next month's budget.
They said that upgrading infrastructure and social provision can only be achieved by raising the tax take to levels similar to those in other EU countries.