Commentary & Recommendations for Budget 2013

Ireland must regain its sovereignty and its ability to borrow. The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) recognises the Government”s responsibility to reduce the deficit, and that decisions on spending cuts and tax increases still have to be taken. But after four years of cumulative, stringent measures, we consider it time to rebalance the Government”s recovery programme in light of pressing social priorities.

As the National Economic and Social Council concluded some time ago, “A successful economy requires a successful society”. DFI is greatly concerned that the succesive public expenditure cuts applied to date undervalue vital features of Ireland that are critical to our long term success as a socially cohesive economy and society. The adverse economic pressures have resulted in such tightening of public services and supports that our social infrastructure is being eroded, to our lasting detriment.