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Next Two Years Look Very Bleak for Vulnerable Children: Barnardos

Dublin, 6 December 2011 – Barnardos has welcomed the Government’s decision to increase the Universal Social Charge exemption level from €4,004 to €10,036, removing 330,000 people from the USC net. The children’s charity said that this would go some way to relieving financial pressure on those engaged in low paid, part-time and seasonal employment.

However, Barnardos’ CEO, Fergus Finlay, said that those on the national minimum wage continue to pay the same percentage of USC as those earning €100,000 per year: “Despite the increased exemption level in USC, Budget 2012 has failed to adequately redistribute limited resources in a fair way. More could have been done to protect the most vulnerable families. Increases in VAT and carbon tax and the introduction of a €100 household tax will hit the same families targeted by many of the cuts announced yesterday.”

Barnardos expressed concern that rural families affected by increases in School Transport Scheme fees will also be disadvantaged by today’s increase in carbon tax. The charity said that this would place rural families under further financial pressure and could have a knock on effect on children’s education.

Welcoming the announcement that Minister of State with special responsibility for Primary Care, Roisin Shorthall TD, will introduce legislation to tackle alcohol misuse early in 2012, Barnardos nonetheless expressed regret that the Government failed to increase excise on alcohol. Norah Gibbons, Barnardos’ Director of Advocacy, said: “Alcohol Action Ireland has estimated that the restoration of 2009 excise duties on alcohol could have reaped €178 million for Budget 2012. This money could have been used to offset some of the harsher cuts announced yesterday including the reduction in Child Benefit for larger families, cuts to Fuel Allowance and cuts affecting lone parents. Budget 2012 was always going to be tough, but the choices made do little to adequately protect children and families, particularly those who are most at risk of poverty.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Norah Gibbons is Chair of Alcohol Action Ireland, www.alcoholireland.ie