TASC survey - 70% want more investment in public services
by Patricia O'Mahony
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In a survey conducted last month by the independent think tank, TASC, it emerged that the majority of the Irish public care more about economic and social equality, and high quality public services than they do about income tax cuts, with 70% of respondents saying they want the Government to invest more in public services.
The main findings of the poll include: - 69% agree that the Government should prioritise investing in public services rather than spending money to cut income taxes
- 86% agree that the Minimum Wage, currently fixed at €8.65, should be increased
- 77% agree that the Minimum Wage should be the same as a Living Wage
- 86% agree that the Government should do more to prevent the use of low-hour contracts
The results of the TASC poll shows strong public support for investing in health services, education, public transport and housing. These services have all suffered significantly since the start of the recession but, with the economy growing again, many want these areas to be prioritised.
Low pay
TASC policy analyst Cormac Staunton said, “Ireland has the third highest level of low pay in the OECD with incidences rising steadily and more quickly than our counterparts. This is not related to the economic collapse as the number of workers experiencing low pay has been increasing since 2003.”
Mr Staunton said that survey results show that people want wage inequality addressed by increasing the minimum wage to the same rate as the living wage and by tackling the growth of low hour contracts. The minimum wage has not changed since July 2007, except for a reduction to €7.65 for five months in 2011.
This week, the Government appointed Low Pay Commission has recommended an increase in the minimum wage to €9.15, an increase of 50 cent in the hourly rate which employer and business groups are opposing.
The full survey results are available HERE.
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