The cuts in the last budget were anti-family. But a government led by Enda Kenny and propped up by Labour will not reverse them. Many more children will be forced into poverty unless we stop these cuts.
Childrens allowance
The children’s allowance was reduced by €10 a child for first and second child. Despite evidence that larger families are more likely to suffer poverty, a third child saw a reduction of €20. The cuts in 2010 followed the cuts of 2009, and the removal of the early childcare supplement in 2009. More cuts will be implemented over the next few years if we have a government that accepts the EU/IMF deal.
One-Parent family
The one-parent family payment was cut by 4% this year – and that was on top of previous social welfare cuts. In June 2010, a new Social Welfare Bill was also introduced. This legislation discriminates against lone parents because it plans to cut the one-parent family payment when a child reaches 14 years of age. A Fine Gael and Labour coalition government will not scrap these plans.
There is no support for lone parents who wish to attend part-time 3rd level education courses. Grants are only given to full-time courses but most mothers are not able to attend college full-time. A family with two incomes can barely afford childcare costs – so it is impossible with just one income. .
Families
The average income loss for families after the last budget was €43 a week because the combination of tax hikes and social welfare cuts.
Event he lowest paid workers now have the pay the ‘bankers tax’ – the Universal Social Charge.
Yet the cost of childcare in Ireland is still high. In Dublin, the average price of childcare is €900 per month for full-time care, and €500 for pre/after school care. Wage cuts, extra taxes and reduced children’s allowance are driving many families onto the bread-line.
VOTE GINO KENNY NO 1
Our children need protection – but the political establishment do not see them as important as corrupt bankers.
We need a people’s revolt to convey the message: WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.
You can help start this by voting No.1. for your People Before Profit candidate Gino Kenny.
People Before Profit Alliance do not accept bank bailouts. As part of the new United Left Alliance, we will be a voice in the Dail to protect children’s rights.
OUR POLICIES
Local Councilor Gino Kenny wants a Childrens’ Rights Referendum to improve the health, education and material well being of children. He will organise people to fight to:
- Reverse the cuts in social welfare
- Reverse the cut to minimum wage
- End to student fees – free education for all
- Reverse tax increases on low paid workers
- Scrap the Social Welfare Bill 2010.
