Meenagh wants ‘rethink’ of approach to public services as inflation confirmed

Gary Ibbotson 14 Dec 2021

Labour councillor Declan Meenagh has called for a rethink of the current approach to public services in light of the increased cost of living in Ireland.

With last week’s CSO figures confirming prices rising by 5.3% in the year to November,the Glasnevin councillor said inflation has totally outstripped increases in wages and some people are barely making ends meet.

“Christmas is coming and people are really feeling the increased cost of living in their pockets,” he said in a statement.

“The pandemic has shown what can be achieved when we mobilise the state.

“We now know what the State can do when we really have to act.

“To tackle the exorbitant rise in the cost of living, we need to see the government take a serious look at how public services are being provided.

“Over the weekend, Minister Donohoe pledged to embark on a tax-cutting crusade, but this is the wrong thing to do.

“It is a transparently populist attempt to buy people’s support with their own money. This money would be better spent on making education free. on cutting hospital waiting lists and on climate proofing every aspect of how we live our lives,” he said.

“Workers on low pay and minimum wage are hugely impacted and there has barely been an acknowledgement of the crisis they face by government.

“The Living Wage of €12.90 is even further away for too many people.

“All employers should reflect on whether they are paying their own workers a living income that can enable them to live in this economy.

“It is important that anyone who works, can work with the knowledge that they can budget to pay their rent, heat their home, and pay for groceries.

“Unfortunately we know that too many people are just getting by.

“In a fair society, everyone who works should be able to make ends meet, and have some savings left over. This is not the Ireland we have right now. We need the State to act to tackle the increased cost of living.”

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