As the Irish Government prepares to unveil its upcoming Budget, calls are growing louder for the expected surplus to be used for the benefit of society. In the aftermath of an unprecedented pandemic that has left many vulnerable, leading figures from across Ireland are urging the government to put social needs and community projects at the forefront of its spending plans. With mounting concerns over rising inequality, the pressure is on to ensure that any Budget surplus is directed towards promoting the common good of all citizens. In this exclusive report, we take a closer look at the arguments for using the expected surplus for social good and examine the possible outcomes of Government intervention.
Colette Bennet, an economic and social analyst at Social Justice Ireland, stressed the importance of using the anticipated budget surplus for the greater good. She urged the government not to waste the surplus and instead allocate it towards long-term projects such as infrastructure, affordable housing, education, and healthcare to address the current crises. Furthermore, Bennet called for investments in renewable energy systems, sustainable public transport, and climate mitigation. She also recommended investigating capacity issues in relation to social and affordable housing, including looking for alternative sources for labor and proper procurement processes. According to Bennet, an estimated 133,000 social housing units are needed, and therefore, the government should build 14,500 units yearly with a goal of 20 percent social housing stock by 2030. This would ultimately free up rental spaces for families currently living on HAP.
In conclusion, the upcoming Budget surplus presents an opportunity for the government to invest in the well-being and prosperity of their citizens. It is imperative that they heed the calls from activists and experts to use this surplus for the greater good, rather than focusing solely on the bottom line. With strategic investments in education, healthcare, housing and social services, Ireland can build a more equitable and inclusive society and ensure that everyone has a fair shot at success. The clock is ticking, and the government is being watched closely. It’s time to make the right choice.
