INOU Budget 2009 Press Release

15 Oct 2008

The INOU is disappointed with minimal increase in the lowest rate of Social Welfare payment announced in today's budget. "The organisation recognises the very difficult financial situation facing the Minister, however a €6.50 per week increase will not lift some of the most vulnerable people in our society, the long-term unemployed, out of poverty. In our pre budget submission, we called for a range of measures to assist people move from welfare to work and we regret that these suggestions were not taken on board by the Minister" said Bríd O'Brien the INOU's Head of Policy and Media.

The INOU is particularly concerned at the changes outlined in the Department of Finance's summary of 2009 Budget measures in relation to the qualifying criteria for entitlement to Job Seekers Benefit and the duration of the payment. The increase in the number of contributions from 52 to 104 weeks and the reduction in the duration of the payment from 15 months to 12 months will significantly impact on new claimants. The INOU recognises that these changes are intended to be limited to two years however overall this is seen as a retrograde measure that will impact directly on the thousands of people who are losing their jobs.

In the context of the difficult financial climate, the INOU welcomes the €10.00 per child increase in the income limits for Family Income Supplement and the €2.00 increase in the qualified child allowance.

 

For further information contact:
Bríd O'Brien, INOU Senior Policy Officer: (01) 8560088 / 086 608 9641