Austerity kills according to latest research

Austerity is not just bad for the economy. The latest evidence shows that it is also bad for people’s health.  Austerity has led to rising suicide rates, increased rates of disease and dramatic reductions in access to healthcare for people unable to pay for such care from their private resources. A new study entitled ‘The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills’ concludes that "Recessions can hurt, but austerity kills."

Cast your vote NOW to support the European Citizens’ Initiative for Unconditional Basic Income

Social Justice Ireland is urging Irish people to sign the European Citizens’ Initiative for Unconditional Basic Income.  If successful this initiative would mean that the issue of Basic Income was studied and its implications for the EU analysed by the European Commission. Citizens from all 27 EU member countries may sign.  For this Initiative to be successful,  one million signatures must be collected in a 12-month period. Social Justice Ireland has promoted the idea of a Basic Income for many years is anchoring this campaign in Ireland and people may register their support here.  We urge you to cast your vote in favour of this initiative if you have not already done so.

Austerity is discredited, its credibility undermined, its moral basis unethical. Ireland must change direction

  1. The ‘austerity’ approach being implemented in Ireland is economically unviable and morally unethical.
  2. Ireland needs a fundamental change of direction, a new vision of its future and an integrated policy framework setting out a pathway towards that vision.
  3. It is time to put a stop to short-termism and to tackle debt, taxation, services, governance and borrowing in an integrated and sustainable manner. 
  4. The future can be different and can be paid for.

Projections show Ireland will not meet its EU 2020 Greenhouse Gas emissions targets

Figures released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that while Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions will comply with its Kyoto Protocol obligations (2008 – 2012), Ireland is at significant risk of not meeting our EU 2020 targets even under the best-case scenario.

Academic case for austerity shown to have been deeply flawed – Change of direction the only credible response from policy-makers

This is an extraordinary story. The key academic study used to justify austerity in recent years in countries such as Ireland has been exposed as profoundly flawed. The authors of the study made mistakes by omitting several countries that should have been included, by using a wrong mathematical formula in its spread-sheet and by providing unusual weights to various countries. The end result is that when corrected the data shows the opposite of what was originally claimed.

Rural Ireland and rural communities are coming under unprecedented pressures and many are fighting for survival

  1. Poverty is more likely to occur in rural areas than urban areas.  In 2011 the risk of poverty in rural Ireland was 4.6 percentage points higher than in urban Ireland with 'at risk' rates of 18.8 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively.
  2. Those in farming comprise just one quarter of the rural labour force.  Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for only 85,600 people employed in Ireland.
  3. Direct CAP payments comprised 73% of farm income in 2011. 
  4. 65% of farms in Ireland have an income of less than €20,000 per annum.The lack of an accessible, integrated and reliable public transport service is one of the key challenges for rural dwellers, who shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden of insufficient public transport.

A fractured society, a weak economy and persistently high unemployment do not constitute real recovery

What would real recovery look like? is the title of Social Justice Ireland’s annual Socio-Economic Review for 2013.  It argues that:

  • What Government is doing is creating a fractured society, a weak economy and persistently high unemployment. This is not real recovery.
  • Ireland needs a new guiding vision which prioritises the common good.
  • It is not acceptable that the major sacrifices in building the future should be borne by those on low to middle incomes or by future generations.
  • Real recovery requires macroeconomic stability, just taxation, enhanced social protection, improved governance and real sustainability – none of which will flow from current Government policies.
  • Ireland has seen the single biggest transfer of resources from low and middle income people to the rich and powerful in its history.

Unemployment rising as jobs and GDP both fall in EU

The employment and social situation in the EU remained critical in the fourth quarter of 2012 with employment receding overall and unemployment rising further, while households' financial situation remained serious according to the European Commission's latest Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review.

Master of Arts in Social Justice & Public Policy Now Enrolling

All Hallows College NFQ Level 9

All Hallows College is a college of Dublin City University.  All degrees are validated and accredited by DCU.  

This two-year, part-time MA programme caters for professionals working in the areas of social exclusion, poverty, discrimination and public policy development. Primary focus is on social analysis, public policy, advocacy, human rights and strategic planning. The programme is partly delivered by Seán Healy and Brigid Reynolds who head up Social Justice Ireland.

Public service pay is only one part of a coherent, integrated response to address Ireland's current difficulties

Public service pay is only one of a range of areas that need to be addressed in a coherent and integrated manner if the common good is to guide decisions on Ireland’s future.  Issues such as taxation, debt, investment and competitiveness, public services and public expenditure levels and public sector reform should all be addressed in an integrated manner that maximises fairness and solidarity. Otherwise there is a real danger that some sectors in Irish society, particularly those who are poor or vulnerable, will be further disadvantaged, as a result of the choices made and the consequent allocation of Ireland’s scarce resources.

Oireachtas Committee Report on Jobs advocates Social Justice Ireland's Part-Time Job Opportunities Programme proposal

An Oireachtas Committee report published February 19, 2013 recommends that Government consider the proposal to create a Part-Time Job Opportunities programme advocated by Social Justice Ireland. The report, entitled 'Creating Policies that Work -
Actions to Address Youth and Long-Term Unemployment' was produced by the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following a wide-ranging engagement with organisations and groups across Irish society. 

Corporate tax strategies threaten stability of international tax system - OECD

Global solutions are needed to ensure that tax systems do not unduly favour multinational enterprises, leaving citizens and small businesses with bigger tax bills, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Current EU policies producing rising poverty and unemployment

A new Caritas Europa study, reveals disturbing levels of poverty and deprivation in the five EU countries worst hit by the economic crisis; Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain.  It also finds that the prioritisation by the EU and its Member States of economic policies at the expense of social policies during the current crisis is having a devastating impact on people - especially in the five countries worst affected.  This study was carried out by Social Justice Ireland for Caritas Europa.  

733,000 people in poverty points to major failure of Government policy

The increase in the proportion of Ireland’s population at risk of poverty, (from 14.7% to 16.0% in one year) clearly identifies a major policy failure by Government which has imposed a disproportionate part of the ‘hit’ for current budgetary adjustments on Ireland’s poor and vulnerable people.  Government should give priority to ensuring that everyone in Ireland has the income and services to live life with basic dignity, which is not currently the case.

Social Justice Ireland statement on Anglo/IBRC agreement

Deal on Anglo/IBRC compounds the injustice of the original deal and copper-fastens it for generations to come

The liquidation of IBRC and the related changes agreed between the Irish Government and the European Central Bank (ECB) has compounded the injustice of the original deal.   It is clear that Government and the European Central Bank have decided that banks must be protected ahead of people and that bank gambling debts must be repaid by those of us who had no hand, act or part in causing the banking collapse in the first place.

New study concludes IMF pursuing policies that damage recovery efforts in European countries

A new study from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) raises very serious questions concerning the approach to recovery being followed by the ‘troika’ in EU countries including Ireland. The CEPR Co-Director Mark Weisbrot claims this study shows that “… the IMF appears to be pursuing a political and ideological agenda in Europe, with a very strong prejudice toward spending cuts and smaller government,”

Resources must not be allocated on the basis of protecting the interests of the strong, powerful and vocal

  1. The outcome of current negotiations on public service pay or on debt should not produce a situation where other sectors in Irish society will be further disadvantaged.
  2. There is always a danger that resources will be allocated to protect the interests of those who are strong, powerful and/or vocal.
  3. More than €800m could be saved by capping public service pay at €120,000 while having no reduction for those earning below €40,000.
  4. Ireland needs a new approach which prioritises investment, promotes public services, protects vulnerable people and communities and ensures its development is underpinned by an equitable tax system.

Ireland not meeting the targets set by Government as part of the Europe 2020 Strategy

A new study from Social Justice Ireland published January 14th, 2013, shows that Ireland is further away from achieving its targets on employment, poverty and social inclusion than it was when these targets were originally set two years previously. Employment is not increasing, unemployment remains unacceptably high and poverty is rising. Government is failing to reach the key targets it set itself on poverty and employment as part of the EU's Europe 2020 Strategy.

Ireland has fourth highest unemployment level in EU

Ireland's unemployment level is the fourth highest in the European Union according to the latest statistics published by Eurostat (January 8, 2013).  The unemployment rate in the EU is now 10.7% (up from 10.0% a year ago). In the Euro area unemployment is higher at 11.8% (up from 10.6% a year ago). It is clear that austerity is not working.  An alternative approach is required.

Government claims that Budget 2013 was “as fair as it could be” are untrue.

Government claims that Budget 2013 was ‘as fair as it could be’ are untrue. In reality Budget 2013 was unjust and regressive.  For the second year in a row this Government introduced a Budget that was deeply regressive, both socially and economically. It did nothing to foster economic recovery or to provide a vision and direction for the country.

Basic Income schemes in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa evaluated by World Bank

Social Justice Ireland welcomes the publication by The World Bank of a report on Basic Income schemes in 28 Sub-Saharan countries.  Entitled The Cash Dividend: The rise of cash transfer programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, by Marito Garcia and Charity M. T. Moore concludes that many positive outcomes can already be identified as flowing from these cash transfer programmes. 

The Need for Accurate Social Analysis

Seán Healy, Director of Social Justice Ireland recently contributed a piece to the Sunday Business Post on the need for accurate social analysis to underpin Government policy decisions.  To read more click here.

European Commission acts to tackle CORPORATE tax fraud and evasion

The European Commission has proposed an action plan to tackle the issues of corporate tax evasion and fraud in the EU. Such evasion and fraud by major companies are believed to cost European governments up to €1trillion a year.

Unjust, regressive Budget deepens divide in Irish society

Budget 2013 is unjust and regressive.  For the second year in a row this Government has introduced a Budget that is deeply regressive, both socially and economically. It does nothing to foster economic recovery or to provide a vision and direction for the country.

OECD urges alleviation of Ireland's debt burden

The OECD has said that Ireland would benefit from alleviation in the government debt-servicing burden arising from its retroactive recapitalisation for Irish banks by the European Stability Mechanism.  It also pointed out that ireland would benefit from a steady resolution of the euro-area crisis, including the activation of debt-relief mechanisms at the European level.

Persistence of poverty calls for a new approach to development for countries across the world - North and South

There are 920m people in the Global South living on less than $1.25 a day. In a world with resources many times what is required to eliminate global poverty this situation is intolerable according to the latest Policy Briefing from Social Justice Ireland.  

The Briefing argues that “the elimination of poverty in all countries of the world should be a global priority until it is achieved.  But that’s only a part of what is required.  A new development model that has economic, social and environmental sustainability at its core is urgently needed."

World Bank's 'Doing Business' rankings are actively harming the poor

CAFOD, the UK development aid organisation, has warned that the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ rankings are actively harming the poor. This is a further example of a tendency in international agencies to use data selectively which then provides an inaccurate analysis which, in turn, leads on to inappropriate policy recommendations. 

Selective Use of Data by Troika has led to inaccurate analysis and inappropriate policy proposals

  1. The selective use of data by the Troika is leading to inaccurate analysis which in turn is producing inappropriate policy recommendations for Ireland.
  2. Poverty in Ireland is rising despite Troika claims.
  3. The vulnerable have not been protected despite ‘Troika’ claims.
  4. Accurate analysis of data shows the richest 25% of the population have not been hardest hit despite ‘Troika’ claims to the contrary.

Rural Ireland and rural communities are coming under unprecedented pressures and many are fighting for survival

  1. Poverty is more likely to occur in rural areas than urban areas.  In 2011 the risk of poverty in rural Ireland was 4.6 percentage points higher than in urban Ireland with 'at risk' rates of 18.8 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively.
  2. Those in farming comprise just one quarter of the rural labour force.  Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for only 85,600 people employed in Ireland.
  3. Direct CAP payments comprised 73% of farm income in 2011. 
  4. 65% of farms in Ireland have an income of less than €20,000 per annum.The lack of an accessible, integrated and reliable public transport service is one of the key challenges for rural dwellers, who shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden of insufficient public transport.

Policy Issues - A to Z

A wide range of material on many policy issues is available on this website. A list of these issues, arranged in alphabetical order, may be accessed here

Purchase: What Would REAL Recovery Look Like?

For €15 (including packaging and posatge) you can purchase Social Justice Ireland's annual Socio-Economic Review for 2013 entitled: What Would REAL Recovery Look Like?

Purchase 'Does the European Social Model Have a Future?'

Image Purchase 'Does the European Social Model Have a Future? Challenges and Responses 70 Years after the Beveridge Report' here for €15 (including packaging and postage).

Purchase 'The Future of the Welfare State'

You can purchase Social Justice Ireland's publication on The Future of the Welfare State for €15 (including packaging and postge). 

Purchase 'Building a Fairer Tax System - The Working Poor and the Cost of Refundable Tax Credits'

You may purchase Social Justice Ireland's publication on 'Building a Fairer Tax System - The Working Poor and the Cost of Refundable Tax Credits' for €10 (including packaging and postage). 

Sharing Responsibility in Shaping the Future - 2011 - Full text

Sharing Responsibility in Shaping the Future was published on September 14, 2011
The full text of the book is available here.
The individual chapters of the book may be downloaded via the links below:

Shaping Ireland's Future - Socio-Economic Review 2012 - Full Text

Social Justice Ireland's 300-page annual Socio-Economic Review for 2012 is titled: Shaping Ireland's Future: Securing Economic Development, Social Equity and Sustainability.

The full text of Shaping Ireland's Future may be accessed here.

Unjust and indefensible that European Social Model is being undermined by European Central Bank and European Commission

The European Social Model is being undermined by unelected European bureaucrats in institutions such as the European Central Bank and the European Commission. It is unjust, unfair and indefensible that a core element of the EU should be undermined in this manner by people and institutions with no mandate to do so. 

Two new studies of Public Services in Ireland very welcome

The publication of two studies on public services in Ireland is welcomed by Social Justice Ireland. Achieving quality in public services requires both a commitment to preventing harms and a search for continuous improvement.

Latest unemployment and GDP data shows Government policy NOT working

The latest figures published by the CSO paint a grim picture in terms of employment and growth in Ireland.  There has been an annual decrease in employment by 33,400 since Q2 2011 and a 1.3% increase in unemployment over the same period.

More than one in four children (12-17 year olds) in Ireland now at risk of poverty as Government policy fails families with children

The findings of the CSO study on child poverty published September 6, 2012, are a scandal.  In Ireland:

  1. More than 200,000 children now living in poverty as new study shows almost one in five households with children living in poverty.
  2. More than one in four children aged between 12 and 17 are now at risk of poverty.
  3. Income of households with children is far worse hit than households without children.

Unemployment continues to rise in EU - Ireland fourth worst out of 27 countries

Unemployment continues its steady rise in the EU.  Ireland's unemployent rate is the fourth worst of the 27 EU countries with only Spain, Greece and Portugal with higher levels.

New study shows poverty numbers rising in Ireland even though poverty line is falling

The number of people at risk of poverty in Ireland has grown from 14.1% in 2009 to 15.8% in 2010 according to the latest Survey on Income and Living Condidtions (SILC) conducted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Minimum Income Standard Calculator launched

The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice and MABS National Development Ltd. have launched a Minimum Income Standard calculator for Irish households. This tool will allow households to calculate the cost of a Minimum Essential Standard of Living. 

Ireland following OECD trend on employment income taxes but still low compared to most countries in 2011

The average tax and social security/insrance burden on employment incomes increased in 26 out of 34 OECD countries in 2011 according to the new OECD Taxing Wages publication.

Government's Renewable Energy Strategy 2012-2020 - no measurable targets

The Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy document does not contain any measureable outputs, policy goals or short, medium or long-term implementation plans in order to reach the stated targets. 

Government should reject all proposals for Social Dialogue that will benefit the rich and exclude the rest of us

It would be totally unacceptable for Government to introduce a process of social dialogue that would benefit the rich and exclude the rest of us according to Social Justice Ireland, commenting on a proposal presented by the General Secretary of Impact, Mr Shay Cody recently. 

CSO reports paint an interesting picture of progress and household expenditure in Ireland

The CSO has just published two interesting and timely reports, ‘Measuring Ireland’s Progress 2011’ and the ‘Household Budget Survey 2009-2010’ both of which give an interesting snapshot into how much progress Ireland is making on certain issues and into changes in household expenditure.

Basic Income would help reduce inequality and poverty

Inequality and poverty must be addressed effectively and soon if the current growing polarisation process being experienced within countries and between countries is to be halted and reversed. 

Children should not have to pay for gambling losses of bankers and developers - IMF criticised

  • Children should not have to pay for gambling losses of bankers and developers
  • Ireland can balance its budget without victimising children
  • IMF urged to propose fair and just solutions to Ireland’s problems

Scapegoating of unemployed people by European Commission indefensible

In its draft 7th review of Ireland the European Commission is ignoring the key issue that jobs are not being created on the scale required and that the bailout process is failing to address both the employment and unemployment problems.  Ireland has a track record of people working if jobs are available. Five years ago there were only 28,000 people unemployed for more than a year but today it is more than 200,000.

Government lessens its commitment to reducing poverty - Revised Poverty Target in NRP 2012

The Government has just published the National Reform Programme 2012 Update for Ireland which contains, amongst other information a revised poverty target under Ireland’s commitments to the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Rate of underemployed part-time work highest in Ireland

Among the EU Member States in 2011, underemployed part-time work was highest in Ireland (6.3 % of the labour force) according to the latest EU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review. The Review also shows that Ireland’s youth unemployment rate is among the highest in the EU (over 30%). 

Unemployment rising across the Euro area - Government policy of relying on export led growth and job creation unsustainable

Unemployment continues to rise across the EU as detailed in the latest figures from Eurostat. The euro area (EA17) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10.9% in March 2012, compared with 9.9% in March 2011.