Substantial numbers of people are condemned by Government policies to live in social exclusion, according to a study released today by the Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI).
The gap between rich and poor has further widened and never before has the distribution of income been so unequal, the organisation says in its annual socio-economic review for 2003.
CORI represents 135 religious congregations and has been involved in negotiating successive national agreements as a social partner.
Today's report by its Justice Commission reflects its ongoing criticism of Government economic policies, which it maintains perpetuate inequality.
The Achieving Inclusion booklet recommends steps needed to minimise social exclusion, raise the tax take to a fairer level and take a "more realistic" approach to managing fiscal policy.
CORI points out that Ireland's per capita income is far above the EU average, yet its infrastructure in areas such as housing and public transport, as well as social provision in education and social welfare, falls behind the average among the 15 member-states.
It challenges the Government's claim that it can bring infrastructure and social provision up to EU average levels while continuing to have the lowest tax take of any member-state.
Ireland's roads, railways and transport systems compare badly with European counterparts, it says. "Similarly, our growing poverty rates, unequal income distribution, growing rich-poor gap and under-equipped health and education systems represent the most visible signs of the extensive gaps in our social provision," it adds.
With continued economic growth and per capita income well above the European average, there is an opportunity to address these deficits, according to the study.
CORI says it is telling that Ireland's spending on social protection, such as healthcare, disability, old age, housing and social exclusion initiatives, was the lowest in the EU as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), according to an analysis in 2000 by the EU Commission. It also points out that Ireland's total tax take is the lowest in the EU as a percentage of GDP.
CORI says its proposals to ensure economic development, social equity and sustainability in the medium to long term are made "within responsible fiscal parameters".
"We do not claim to have all the answers. However, we make our proposals as a contribution to the public debate on what the key priorities in socio-economic arena should be in the years ahead," it concludes.