Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has criticised the Government for not supporting a Sinn Féin bill in the Dáil which would introduce equality budgeting.

Equality budgeting is defined as an approach to economic policy-making and planning that places equality and inclusivity at the centre of decisions concerning public expenditure and income. This Sinn Féin bill essentially aimed to reduce inequalities and protect specific vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Irish society.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Irish society has rapidly changed over the last two to three decades, and while there have always been vulnerable groups in our society, the increased diversity of our society means more and more groups and individuals need enhanced protection from State resources.

“Inequality does not fix itself through market forces or by simple state hand outs. In fact to reduce inequality you have to tackle the root causes of it, and this requires robust mechanisms that ensure vulnerable groups are protected.

“Over 60 countries worldwide use equality budgeting to tackle inequality and poverty in their countries. It is time this state followed suit.

“Our bill would have ensured that all Government Departments and public bodies, when introducing new policy or budget measures, would complete equality impact assessment schemes and would place equality at the centre of decisions concerning public expenditure and income.

“Dublin South West has felt the brunt of the Government’s lack of equality budgeting, with large swathes of the area witnessing a housing crisis, massive unemployment, poor infrastructure, and many other socio-economic problems not of their making.

“What angers me most is the Labour Party’s refusal to support our bill tonight. Equality budgeting is supposedly Labour party policy. Yet when push comes to shove and they are asked to support a bill introducing this hugely important policy that would create a more inclusive society, they side with Fine Gael, and vote against it.

“It is long past the time that the Government woke up to the needs of the Irish people. The average family and household in Ireland is drowning in debt and yet every Budget continues to attack them and increase inequality.

“Families the length and breadth of this state deserve better.

“They deserve equality budgeting and its time the Government starts serving the needs of the majority of people in this State.”

ENDS