"Take dole recipients out of poverty"

6 Oct 2000

" The Government should give people on the dole a guarantee that they will take them out of poverty, instead of simply congratulating themselves on the continued fall in the Live Register" said Tony Monks, General Secretary of the INOU, speaking at the Annual Delegate Conference in Dublin today.
" Given the rate of growth of the economy, a continued fall in the Live Register is to be expected. However, there are nearly 100,000 people in reciept of a full unemployment payment, their benefits have been eroded, and they are living on less than 40% of average incomes."

Over 150 unemployment activists from all over the country gathered in Dublin today to debate INOU policy, and national campaigns for a decent dole increase and quality services for the unemployed.

"The anger expressed by delegates here today, and the level of involvement in INOU activities by local communities is clear evidence that the benefits of the 'booming economy' have not yet reached the most marginalised people in Ireland."

INOU motions debated today included:
A decent dole increase for those reliant on social welfare
Quality, affordable childcare and an end to the continuing scandal of child poverty
Labour market programmes that deliver real opportunities to unemployed people
Tax reform for the low paid
A housing policy for those who will never be able to     afford to own their own homes
The appalling treatment of asylum seekers

ENDS

For further info:
Noeleen Hartigan, INOU Press Officer 087 6167689