The Justice Commission of the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI), which represents the Catholic religious orders, has urged voters to put the issues of poverty, inequality and social exclusion at the top of the general election agenda.
In a pre-election briefing document, published yesterday, the group said that there had been a "marked failure" to address such issues despite unprecedented economic growth.
"While Ireland now has a per capita income well above the EU average, its infrastructure and social provision are far below the EU level. At the same time, Ireland's tax-take is far below the EU average, and this is seen by many as a virtue to be protected at all costs."
Commenting on the "Boston vs Berlin" debate, the commission avoids coming down explicitly on the side of either model, one of which is being promoted by the Progressive Democrats, the other by the Labour Party.
However, the commission notes: "It could be argued that Ireland has been moving towards the American model of socio-economic development which is characterised by low taxation, more emphasis on the responsibilities of individuals, less social provision and growing inequality."
The group adds: "Despite claims to the contrary, the reality is that Ireland's rate of relative income poverty has risen during the boom years and is one of the highest in the EU."
In its briefing paper, the commission sets out 10 questions which it says voters should put to candidates on the doorstep. These cover topics such as income, healthcare, housing, education, multi-culturalism and the environment.
Weblink: www.cori.ie/justice
