A report funded by the Department of Social Protection suggests that the majority of families dependent on Jobseeker’s Benefit do not have an adequate income for a basic standard of living
Trinity College Economist and Ennis native Dr Micheal Collins is one of the authors of the report. He said because the minimum wage and social welfare payments are not linked to what is needed for a basic standard of living, poverty and social exclusion will continue in Ireland
The report based its findings on the United Nations definition of a minimum standard of living, which is described as one which meets a person’s physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs
Different types of households were assessed, including a single person living alone, a two-parent household with two children and a pensioner couple
Dr Micheal Collins explained the findings to John Cooke on Tuesday’s Morning Focus.
Almost 200 people attended the meeting organised by the Anti-Household Charge Campaign in Clare last night to hear Socialist TD Joe Higgins and Deputy Joan Collins of the People Before Profit Alliance encourage locals to evade the 100 euro levy
Morning Focus Producer Niamh McNamara was there and spoke to people after the meeting to get their views on the household and the septic tank charges.
Joan Collins TD of the People Before Profit Alliance condemned as “pure scaremongering” claims by the Minister for Justice that fines for non-payment of the household tax could be taken from people’s pay
Clare Labour Party TD Michael McNamara discussed said that it is a necessary charge and should be paid.
Have your say on our poll- Should GAA Managers be paid?
• Yes, for Senior Intercounty Managers only
• Yes, for GAA Managers at club and county level
• No, not at all
Will Cahir of Cahir and Company, Ennis and a volunteer solicitor with the Clare Citizens Information Centre’s Free Legal Advice Clinic joined John for this week’s legal slot
Today Will focussed on Property Management Companies- there role and obligations to tenant and landlord
The Multi-Unit Development Act came into law last April in an attempt to regulate the area.
There was reaction to Minister Phil Hogan’s announcement that the registration fee for septic tank inspections is being dropped to €5 for the first three months was discussed by Jim Connolly of Rural Resettlement Ireland and Fianna Fail Deputy Timmy Dooley
Jim rejected the government’s decision to reduce it’s registration charge for septic tank inspections as nonsense.
He also described the law as ‘crazy’, and says people are angered that their tanks will have to be inspected.
The Taoiseach has insisted that the government’s offer of a five euro registration charge until June is ‘outstanding’, but some say the reduction from fifty euro amounts to a political climb-down.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his weekly slot where he provides advice for animal owners on the proper care of animals and their legal obligations
Contact the dog warden on 087 622 5253 and contact the Clare pound on 6820393.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
