Shortall says Government “lacks long-term planning”

Dublin North-West TD Róisín Shortall says the Government lacks “long-term planning” and has said the proposed tax cuts in the upcoming Budget would widen the gap between rich and poor.

The Social Democrats TD said the Government’s summer economic statement “masks inherent weakness in the government’s approach.”

“A key concern – and one which is acknowledged by the government – are gaps in labour, housing and infrastructure which are causing severe constraints on the economy.”

 “Long-term planning must be a central function of government – and this has sadly been lacking. Lack of long-term workforce planning in particular is inhibiting the country’s ability to cater for people’s needs, particularly when it comes to housing, health and social care.”

Shortall, who stepped down as co-leader of the Social Democrats earlier this year, has pointed to the Government’s fiscal prudence as a barrier to efficient public services.

“We are continually told that money is not a constraint to providing services. Instead, the government claims it is unable to meet its own targets because it can’t hire key staff. However, it is the job of government to spend time on workforce planning to ensure services can be delivered. This failure to strategically plan must change.”

The TD weighed in on budget speculation and specifically noted the proposed tax cuts would contribute to a widening of the gap between rich and poor.

“Another huge concern, as the government plans another budgetary package, is its tax packages. High-paid people, like the Taoiseach and other members of cabinet, do not need tax breaks.”

“It is regressive to stack the tax system so that those on higher incomes benefit disproportionately from tax cuts. This is particularly unconscionable in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis when low, and middle, income earners are making choices about feeding their families and heating their homes.”

“The Social Democrats have always believed that investment in public services, not tax cuts, should take precedence as a means to putting money back in people’s pockets.  We need to see investment in services like healthcare, housing, childcare and education so that upfront costs, for essential public services, are eliminated.”