Capital Investment Plan must deliver on employment, equality and environmental standards

Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Responding to the Government's publication of a 'Building for Recovery' plan, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today emphasised the importance of a joined up approach and strong social clauses.

Speaking today, Alice-Mary Higgins Policy Officer with NWCI, stated

“While investment in our national infrastructure is to be welcomed, it is important that the Government deliver maximum wider impact and benefit from the proposed 27 billion spend by ensuring that it comes with strong social criteria and social clauses.”

“It is important that those companies who are meeting or setting best practice standards in areas such as employment, gender equality and environment are recognised and rewarded in this plan.  Equally, those companies who cut corners and leave workers at risk of poverty or dependent on payments like Family Income Supplement should not be given a competitive advantage when it comes to tendering.”

“It is crucial that the 45,000 jobs which this plan hopes to create are quality jobs with decent pay and conditions and the Government must commit to building this into the procurement process from the very beginning.”

“Decent work is one of the three key asks of NWCI’s Pre-Budget Submission along with Early Years Care and Education and Violence against Women.”

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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, NWCI, Tel. 085 858 9104.