Minister urged not to target old or ill with cuts
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THE Government was last night urged to protect the most vulnerable in society in the emergency Budget.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan was also called on to reduce excise on alcohol and cut the VAT rate to stimulate the economy in the face of a deepening recession.
The pleas, from a range of campaigning organisations, came as the Cabinet met in Government Buildings yesterday to finalise the contents of the Budget on April 7.
Age Action Ireland urged the Government to protect the chronically ill, those on very low incomes and those living alone when taking decisions.
They said home-care packages, home helps and respite care for the chronically ill should be maintained. And they urged that payments to carers and the state pension be kept at their existing levels.
"There are certain vulnerable groups of older people who cannot give any more and who should be protected from direct and indirect cuts," said Age Action chief executive Robin Webster.
Services
The association protecting the disabled, Inclusion Ireland, also warned against further cuts to services. The group, which held its AGM in Monaghan yesterday, said it would not accept more cuts to an area that was already cut "back to the bone".
It was joined by the Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI) Justice. It pleaded with the Government to give priority to resourcing initiatives that were good for the vulnerable and good for the economy.
On the business side, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce recommended a reduction in electricity prices and a cut in the VAT rate from 13.5pc to 10pc.
Controversially, however, it also said domestic rates should be introduced, as well as a property tax for local authorities.
"Public sector wages need to be benchmarked again to reflect the wage cuts and job losses prevalent throughout the private sector," a spokesman added. "In addition, the tax system needs to be broadened."
Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the Irish retail sector, seconded the call for a reduction in VAT. The group pointed out that retail sales fell by a record level last year and the trend has continued into 2009.
- Patricia McDonagh
