PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed: Monday, 27 May 2024 at 1 am
Charity Representative Body Calls on Government to Protect Public Services at National Economic Dialogue
The Wheel, a representative body for charities in Ireland, is today (Monday, 27 May 2024) participating in the National Economic Dialogue, where it will call on Government to use Budget 2025 to address pressing gaps in public services and community funding and supports, and improve social cohesion.
The Government acknowledges that public expenditure should be set at an appropriate level to protect and deliver improvements in public services. With many public services, particularly in the areas of health and social care, being delivered by community and voluntary organisations, we welcome this acknowledgement. Budget 2025 should provide a pathway to ensuring the sustainability of these public services, particularly taking account of demographic shifts caused by ageing and migration.
Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel said, “The National Economic Dialogue is a critical platform for discussing how we can collectively improve community and social cohesion. Community and voluntary organisations are involved in every community in the country, providing health and social supports, services, and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, older people, young people, children, people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, and people at every stage of their lives. Today we are asking Government to prioritise the supports and services that people depend on.”
Among the key priorities to be presented are:
- Sustainable Funding Models: Seeking sustainable funding models that enable competitive salary scales and full cost recovery for community and voluntary organisations, thereby facilitating their long-term stability, allowing them to plan and operate effectively without the constant need for short-term fundraising or enforced service delivery restrictions.
- Promoting Social Inclusion: Pushing for inclusive policies that address the needs of all marginalised groups, including people on low incomes, individuals with disabilities, and migrants, ensuring everyone has sufficient access to community resources. These policies span a range of social issues, from housing to healthcare to sustainability, recognising that a holistic approach is required to build a just and fair society.
- Strengthening Community Infrastructure: Advocating for adequate funding and support for charities, community groups, and social enterprises to ensure they have the resources needed to create thriving communities.
“The Programme for Government committed to the delivery of a new social contract, improving housing, healthcare, education, disability services, income adequacy, and supports for older people across the term of the current Government. Budget 2025 presents the last real opportunity for Government to meet that commitment and invest in these critical sectors and the people delivering these essential services” said Colette Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Research.
In addition to its societal contribution, the community and voluntary sector makes a major contribution to the economy. It comprises approximately 35,000 organisations and involves almost 76,500 volunteer trustees. Charities alone directly employ 281,250 people (1 in every 8 employed people), and contributes an estimated €32 billion to the economy.
“Investment in the sector secures essential services, supports communities, and provides considerable returns to the Exchequer,” said Ivan Cooper
-ENDS-
Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel is available for comment and interviews. Contact Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287 or email gert@wheel.ie.
About The Wheel:
The Wheel is Ireland’s National Association of Charities, Community Groups and Social Enterprises. Our membership includes over 2,400 nonprofit organisations of all types and sizes, including most of Ireland’s leading charities. As a representative voice, we provide leadership to the charity and community sector and advocate on behalf of our growing community of members. As a supportive resource, we offer advice, training and other opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector. See www.wheel.ie
About the National Economic Dialogue:
The National Economic Dialogue is the principal institutional forum for public consultation and discussion on the Budget. This annual stakeholder engagement event is hosted jointly by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The Dialogue provides a deliberative forum for stakeholders to participate in an open and inclusive exchange on the competing economic and social priorities facing the government.
