Citation
Barnardos. (2012). Children's Budget 2013. https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/handle/20.500.13085/435
Abstract
There is little doubt that the recession has taken its toll on families
across Ireland in recent years. All families, with few exceptions, have
struggled with the impact of increasingly stretched incomes. However,
there are many families for whom the consequences of recession
are profound. There are families who are living daily with levels
of deprivation that should not be acceptable to any of us in what
remains a relatively well off nation. Despite the enormous challenges
facing Ireland, and the complexity of the issues involved, Barnardos
believes that budget decisions continue to reflect political decisions
that focus on targeting the most at risk members of society. This is
reflected in figures that show that 1 in 10 people are experiencing
food poverty, with those most at risk including those groups who have
been most adversely affected by recent budget cuts: unemployed
people; low income households; people with disabilities or poor
health; people with low education; families with more than three
children under 18; and lone parents.
The scale of the challenge facing the State in Budget 2013 is not to
be underestimated. However, the continued pursuance of cuts that
disproportionately affect vulnerable children and families while huge
amounts are funnelled into bank repayments undermines the notion
that Ireland is a fair and just society. A broader approach to tackling
the fiscal crisis must be sought. Austerity is simply not working, and
it is especially not working for Ireland’s children. Alternatives to this
approach must be examined and priorities refocused to ensure the protection of children. Alternatives include reform of current systems
to eliminate poverty traps and support parents in employment while
making sure that children have access to quality support services.
They include supporting children’s education by making it affordable
for parents and making sure that children who need it have access
to support. And they include a more holistic approach to service
provision that is underpinned by the best interests of children.