Research clearly shows that certain sections of Irish society are being disproportionately targeted by government economic policy since the beginning of the economic crisis.

Lone parents, people with disabilities, women, and low income households, among others, are impacted particularly negatively by the decisions our politicians are taking.

Following international best practice, we want to see the introduction of equality budgeting in Ireland, which will give our policy-makers the necessary information to do the right thing – to protect those most marginalised and to create the promised Ireland “built on fairness and equal citizenship” (Programme for Government).

As the next budget is only around the corner, we are calling upon our Taoiseach and the Government to ensure that they will now make the right decisions and reverse the current trend in imposing disproportionate hardship on those already experiencing inequality. 

We cannot wait another four years.

Taoiseach Kenny and the Government, introduce equality budgeting now for a more just and equal Ireland.