Menu
27/09/2012
Social Welfare Data 'Misinterpreted' Say ESRI
The OECD and the International Monetary Fund have misinterpreted data on Irish social welfare rates, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute.
The Troika has been pressing the Government to make changes to the social welfare system, claiming that a high level of welfare payments can act as a disincentive to unemployed people to take paid work.
However, according to new research by the ESRI, social welfare payments to a majority of unemployed people in Ireland are in line with the European average, stating that only a small number of people are better off on social welfare than taking a job.
The Troika claim is based on figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
They show that Ireland has one of Europe's highest replacement rates - the percentage of a person's salary replaced by social welfare if they lose their job.
This has been challenged by the ESRI, which says Irish replacement rates are only high when rent and mortgage supplement are included.
As only one in eight jobseekers gets this supplement, the ESRI argues it should be excluded from comparative figures.
On this basis, Irish welfare payments are in line with the west European average.
It says only 6% of the total population would be better off on the dole than working, and of this group around three quarters have jobs and chose to work.
(H)
The Troika has been pressing the Government to make changes to the social welfare system, claiming that a high level of welfare payments can act as a disincentive to unemployed people to take paid work.
However, according to new research by the ESRI, social welfare payments to a majority of unemployed people in Ireland are in line with the European average, stating that only a small number of people are better off on social welfare than taking a job.
The Troika claim is based on figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
They show that Ireland has one of Europe's highest replacement rates - the percentage of a person's salary replaced by social welfare if they lose their job.
This has been challenged by the ESRI, which says Irish replacement rates are only high when rent and mortgage supplement are included.
As only one in eight jobseekers gets this supplement, the ESRI argues it should be excluded from comparative figures.
On this basis, Irish welfare payments are in line with the west European average.
It says only 6% of the total population would be better off on the dole than working, and of this group around three quarters have jobs and chose to work.
(H)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2013
Inspectors Catch "Welfare Tourists" At Dublin Airport
One hundred so-called “welfare tourists” have been caught flying into Dublin Airport in order to sign on for social welfare payments, according to the Irish Independent.
Inspectors Catch "Welfare Tourists" At Dublin Airport
One hundred so-called “welfare tourists” have been caught flying into Dublin Airport in order to sign on for social welfare payments, according to the Irish Independent.
25 July 2011
Booklet Tackles Irish Unemployment
An initiative to tackle Irish unemployment has been rolled out today. The 'Working for Work' booklet, published by the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU), was launched today by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton.
Booklet Tackles Irish Unemployment
An initiative to tackle Irish unemployment has been rolled out today. The 'Working for Work' booklet, published by the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU), was launched today by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton.
30 August 2017
Doherty Criticised For Not Seeking More From Budget For Carers And Others
The Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, has been criticised for stating that she would not seek an increase in the Budget for carers, people with disabilities and the unemployed.
Doherty Criticised For Not Seeking More From Budget For Carers And Others
The Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, has been criticised for stating that she would not seek an increase in the Budget for carers, people with disabilities and the unemployed.
05 October 2011
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
16 September 2011
Govt. Critcised Over Social Welfare Cuts
The Government has been criticised for its plans to cut social welfare rates and for its 'lack' of help with the unemployed. Social Justice Ireland (SJI) has spoken out against the Government saying that there is absolutely "no justification" for Government to reduce social welfare rates in the Budget 2012.
Govt. Critcised Over Social Welfare Cuts
The Government has been criticised for its plans to cut social welfare rates and for its 'lack' of help with the unemployed. Social Justice Ireland (SJI) has spoken out against the Government saying that there is absolutely "no justification" for Government to reduce social welfare rates in the Budget 2012.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
