INOU launches its 2005 Pre-Budget Submission

30 Sep 2004

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed are pleased to launch their pre-Budget submission for 2005. The Submission is cognisant of the improved economic climate with increased job growth and increased exchequer monies being recorded recently. It focuses on improving the lives of those living on a social welfare payment while they search for employment as well as calling for improvements to employment supports such as Community Employment.

‘We are calling on the Government and the new Cabinet Ministers especially, to honour the promises made in the Programme for Government and Sustaining Progress agreement particularly increasing the lowest social welfare payment significantly to be on target to reach €150 in 2002 terms by 2007. The gap between the rich and poor in Irish society is unacceptable. With the economy and exchequer finances being in a more favourable condition, all citizens should benefit thereby reducing the numbers experiencing poverty and social exclusion, said June Tinsley, Policy Officer INOU.

Some of the key INOU demands for Budget 2005 include: