INOU Annual Delegate Conference

26 May 2010

Today, Wednesday in The Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone, Ann Fergus, Chairperson of the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, welcomed unemployed people and representative organisations to the INOU's Annual Delegate Conference.

"At a time of unprecedented unemployment the twin goals of the INOU have never been more important," Ann noted. She continued, "It is vital that unemployed people's welfare payments are maintained and that every effort is made to get people back to work as soon as possible".

Dr. Mary Murphy (NUI Maynooth) in addressing the Conference asked the question "Who do we think of when we design policy?" She noted that different policy responses benefit or disadvantage different groups and that equality must be a key part of Ireland's recovery strategy.

Mary also noted that "activation is a three legged stool covering income, work and education and training and that if one leg is missing, the stool is off-balance". These themes were discussed in detail by the delegates and were reflected in the motions to Conference.

The Conference called on the Government "to ensure that those receiving social welfare do not experience any further cuts to their payments" and "to invest in a €1 billion Jobs Stimulus Plan". The Conference also called on the Government "to support the community and voluntary sector to develop its crucial advocacy, services delivery and policy development work".