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ICTU general secretary David Begg Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
Alternative Budget
No cuts to primary spending, taxes for wealthy and a €4.5 billion stimulus - ICTU publishes budget plan
The general secretary of the congress says that their plan would help Ireland reach deficit targets and create jobs.
THE IRISH CONGRESS of Trade Unions has made their submission to the Department of Finance for the upcoming budget.
ICTU says that their alternative plan would “reach deficit targets, spur job creation and boost recovery prospects”.
ICTU general secretary David Begg says that the plan will create jobs and lessen the impact on workers.
“By adopting this strategy for Budget 2014 we stand a better chance of reaching [fiscal] targets, while creating more jobs and minimising social damage,” Begg said.
The plan calls for the government to use the proceeds of the Promissory Note deal to reduce budget adjustments in 2014 and 2015, as well as a stimulus of €4.5 billion.
It also calls for tax increases for the richest 10 per cent of households, increased corporate contributions to the exchequer and no further cuts to non-pay primary public spending.
“Despite some recent good news on the jobs front, Ireland remains mired in recession and we need to change course and try to accelerate recovery.
“We still have one in four out of work or under-employed, collapsed retail sales and flat domestic demand.”
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