60 coalitions and organisations urge the Government to adopt Six Principles for a Just Recovery, ahead of the Budget the promised national economic recovery plan
A broad cross-section of Irish civil society organisations have come together in advance of the Budget calling on the Government to adopt Six Principles for a Just Recovery as they plan the long-term response to the social and economic shock of the Covid Pandemic. The signatories include Coalition 2030, the Community Platform, the Disability Federation, Dóchas, ICTU, the Irish Network Against Racism, the National Women's Council, the National Youth Council and the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition.
Introducing the joint statement, Oisín Coghlan, a representative of Coalition 2030 said:
'the coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down. It has exposed not only major weaknesses in Ireland's economy and health services but also deep-seated inequalities.
"As the Government faces the challenges posed by the pandemic and begins to look towards long-term recovery, we have a chance to reset the clock and build back better. We cannot go back to the way things were before."
As the Government introduces Budget 2021 and announces plans to engage stakeholders about the National Economic Plan to be launched in November, the groups who signed the joint statement are urging the Government to adopt six principles for a Just Recovery:
1. Protect and invest in public services, prioritising public health and wellbeing
2. Invest in people
3. Deliver faster and fairer climate action and restore and protect nature
4. Build solidarity and community across borders
5. Ensure inclusive and participatory decision-making
6. Redefine progress through a focus on wellbeing and sustainable development
Mark Murphy of the Irish Heart Foundation said:
"A Just Recovery must prioritise the health and wellbeing of everyone in Ireland now and into the future, by sustainably investing in better public services to reverse existing inequalities and secure the needs of all."
Issy Petrie of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul said:
"A Just Recovery must begin with investing in those who have been left behind. Everyone should be guaranteed an adequate income to participate fully in society, whether they are in work or not."
Sadhbh O"Neill of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition said:
" A Just Recovery means eliminating climate-changing pollution in a way that tackles inequality and reduces poverty, and restoring and protecting nature and wildlife. Faster and fairer climate action can and should create thousands of new, well-paid, secure, unionised jobs across the country."
Yvonne O"Callaghan SIPTU said:
"A Just Recovery must guarantee the right to collective bargaining and strengthen workplace democracy. It must include a Just Transition for the workers and communities most impacted by the move to a zero pollution future."
Niamh Garvey of Trócaire said:
"Covid-19 has highlighted how interconnected we are globally, and as the WHO reminds us "no-one is safe until everyone is safe". A Just Recovery for all means showing international solidarity by honouring our commitments on overseas aid."
Meredith Raley of the Disability Federation said:
"A Just Recovery means a society that treats everyone as equals. There is no place in Irish life for hate and discrimination against others, whether based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, immigration status or any other gounds. All people should be treated with dignity, which includes bringing an end to Direct Provision."
Paul Ginnel of the Community Platform said:
"A Just Recovery must be based on inclusive and participatory decision-making, prioritising underrepresented voices and those most marginalised, and acknowledging the right of communities to collective action and autonomous community development."
Jerry Mac Evilly of Coalition 2030 said:
"A Just Recovery must be based on broad measures of wellbeing not limited to economic growth. The UN Sustainable Development Goals should be an essential blueprint for a more sustainable and inclusive future and a framework to build back better both in Ireland and the EU."
The coalitions and organisations that have signed the Shared Vision for a Just Recovery will continue to bring this shared perspective to bear in their own work as they engage with the Government on the National Economic Plan and beyond.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Deirdre Duff
deirdre@foe.ie
087-649 9457
