As the Irish capital wakes up to another day, the heart of Dublin resonates with the collective voice of protesters. They are marching through the city centre, demanding immediate action to tackle the ever-mounting cost-of-living crisis. Organized by the Cost of Living Coalition, this pre-Budget protest is more than a gathering; it’s a resounding call for change.
A Coalition of the People
The Cost of Living Coalition is a united front, representing various groups and interests, all affected by the escalating cost of living. Among its members are the Union of Students in Ireland, the Dublin Council of Trade Unions, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Inclusion Ireland, and Extinction Rebellion. Notably, this coalition also includes political parties such as People Before Profit and Sinn Féin, alongside independent TDs. Their diversity reflects the wide-reaching impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
A Plea for Relief in Budget 2024
The demands put forward by the Cost of Living Coalition are both urgent and essential. They call for significant measures to be included in Budget 2024, designed to alleviate the financial burden on Irish citizens. Key demands include:
- Pension and Social Welfare Increase: A €25 increase in pension, social welfare, and disability payments, offering immediate relief to those struggling to make ends meet.
- Rent Freeze and Eviction Ban: A call for a rent freeze to stabilize housing costs and the reintroduction of the eviction ban to protect tenants from displacement.
- Child Benefit Inflation Match: An increase in Child Benefit to match inflation, ensuring that families can cope with rising expenses.
- Abolition of Student Fees: A move to abolish student fees, easing the financial burden on students and promoting equal access to education.
Beyond Short-Term Solutions
What’s palpable among the protesters is a shared concern about the government’s reliance on short-term, one-off budgetary measures. While such measures might provide temporary relief, they fail to address the systemic issues driving the cost-of-living crisis. Last year’s lump sum welfare payments and electricity credits are cited as examples of insufficient solutions.
Echoes of Hope
In the lead-up to the protest, Sue Shaw, Chief Executive of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, emphasized the importance of pension increases that keep pace with inflation, offering older citizens the security they deserve.
Zaid Albarghouthi, Vice-President for Campaigns at the Union of Students in Ireland, called for transformative changes in the education and housing sectors. This includes abolishing student contribution fees, reinstating the eviction ban, and implementing a rent freeze.
A Turning Point on the Horizon
Budget 2024, set to be unveiled on Tuesday, represents a pivotal moment. Worth €6.4 billion, its details are being fine-tuned by ministers and party leaders this weekend. Recent data underscores the gravity of the situation, as inflation in Ireland continues to rise, defying earlier forecasts.
As the protesters gather in Dublin, their voices echo a collective sentiment—action is needed now. The cost-of-living crisis has reached a tipping point, and the people are demanding solutions that address the root causes. Budget 2024 holds the key to shaping a future where living costs are sustainable for all Irish citizens.