Budget 2009 increases economic uncertainty for women

Published: Monday, October 13, 2008

'The combination of the measures introduced in Budget 2009 will have a significant negative impact on women' stated Orla O'Connor, Head of Policy, National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI). ' The introduction of a 1% levy on all income will particularly affect those on low incomes, the majority of whom are women' she continued.

The announcement of the possible future taxation of Child Benefit is alarming for mothers; the NWCI has consistently advocated that Child Benefit should remain a universal payment as it is the only payment that recognises the costs of child rearing. The combination of the reduction in eligibility of Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement shows this government's lack of commitment to addressing the childcare crisis. In the absence of a quality affordable childcare infrastructure in Ireland there should be no reductions to payments for children.

'The combination of the 1% levy and the wide range of increasing costs, including childcare costs will increase the financial hardship for women and jeopardise their employment status. The minimal increases to social welfare will also make it harder for women manage day-to-day living. This will be counterproductive for maintaining competitiveness in the medium to long term' stated Ms O'Connor.

An alarming development today is the announcement of the cut to the budget of the Equality Authority by 43%. The Equality Authority has played a vital role in promoting equality and defending women who have experienced discrimination. In light of this savage cut, the NWCI questions the governments stated commitment in this Budget to protecting the vulnerable?