Charity calls for end to austerity budgets

THE Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has urged the public to support its campaign to end austerity budgets.

‘Make Your Voice Heard’ began online last week at www.svp.ie/yourvoice

In his quarterly commentary on social justice, SVP National President, Geoff Meagher, said:

“The people we assist and those who are struggling throughout Ireland have suffered enough.

“We urge all those who want fairness and an end to austerity budgets to go online at www.svp.ie/yourvoice and make their voice heard.

“All people in Ireland deserve a living income in and out of work but the level of austerity imposed over the last six budgets has made this aspiration impossible for thousands of individuals and families.

?

Mr Meagher said SVP acknowledges that the public finances must be placed on a sustainable path.

“But we believe that Government can choose to close the gap between Ireland’s revenue and expenditure while protecting vulnerable people and the services they rely on,

? he stated.

“Government should seriously examine the alternative options available in the areas of stimulating growth, improving efficiencies and generating revenue from corporations and individuals with higher incomes and assets that can afford to make a greater contribution to Ireland’s recovery.

?

Mr Meagher said it was the responsibility of Government to lead and make choices which will tackle Ireland’s budget deficit in a

“fair and equitable way

?.

“But to-date there appears to be a single-minded approach that austerity is the solution,

? he added.

“Clearly that approach is not working for thousands of people in Ireland.

?

SVP’s key message for Budget 2014 is that further cuts to the budgets of Government departments which impact negatively on the services needed by individuals, families and communities in Ireland are unacceptable.