Legal rights group calls for human rights based approach to budgeting

Ciarán Finlay, FLAC’s legal and policy officer, said: “Such a framework would ensure that budgetary decisions adhere to objective human rights standards set down in international law.

“A human rights based approach would also require government departments, including the Department of Social Protection, to meaningfully consult with those who are likely to be impacted by proposed budgetary measures.

“In short, it would result in a process that is fairer and more transparent.”

FLAC’s submission also includes a series of other recommendations designed to improve the situation of different groups negatively impacted by austerity measures, including the reversal of cuts to social welfare for young people under the age of 26.

Mr Finlay said the cuts “were introduced as a general measure, without regard for the different needs of young people”.

He added: “In the midst of the current housing crisis, FLAC is especially concerned that these age-related social welfare cuts have increased the vulnerability of people under the age of 26 to homelessness, particularly those who are already disadvantaged and without family supports.”

FLAC also called for the situation of asylum seekers to be addressed in Budget 2017.

Mr Finlay said: “A number of human rights bodies, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, have voiced concerns regarding restrictions asylum seekers face in accessing social security benefits.

“Pending further reform of the system, the Government should increase the Direct Provision allowance to €38.74 for adults and to €29.80 for children in line with the recommendations of the McMahon report as a matter of priority.”