Introduction

In order to provide ‘Decent Services and Infrastructure’ – a core pillar of Social Justice Ireland’s proposed Social Contract, the Government must put a renewed focus on the well-being of Irish people at the heart of all Government policies. An expanded public sector, providing increased public services, is essential in addressing cost-of-living increases. Making healthcare, housing, public transport, childcare, and education more affordable benefits everyone, but particularly those in the bottom 20 percent of the income distribution who are disproportionately impacted by cost-of-living increases.

If the Government is to deliver real leadership on the provision of public services, then a new Social Dialogue is required to come to a consensus on the standard of living that people want and agree on, and, how this is to be delivered and financed. The government should be looking beyond a basic standard of living and, in line with its commitments to a Wellbeing Framework, move towards
ensuring that Irish citizens have a decent quality of life.

A complete guide to our policy proposals for a fairer future for all can be found in our annual socio-economic review, Social Justice Matters: 2022 Guide to a fairer Irish Society. Transport, access to and staying safe in the digital world, financial inclusion, and lobbying are the focus of this brief.