Budget impacts on Community Sector The Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) an independent voice on poverty that receives Government-funding, is among the agencies affected in the recent budget. The CPA and the Office of Social Inclusion (OSI) are to be incorporated into the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Prior to the budget, widespread concern was expressed by organisations in the
Community and Voluntary Sector that Combat Poverty would lose its voice if subsumed into a Government department. Minister Mary Hanafin argued on budget day that the amalgamation of the CPA with the OSI will mean “a stronger voice for those affected by poverty and social inclusion issues.” Meanwhile, the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission were not forced to merge, as had been originally proposed. The bodies have instead been asked to share “back office and administrative services” and to slash spending. In reaction, the Equality Rights Alliance (ERA) - a newly-formed lobby group
representing over 60 civil society organisations – welcomed the fact that the bodies were not merged, but lashed the spending cuts. Spokesperson Edel Hackett said the “savage budget cuts of 43% for the Equality Authority and 24% for the Human Rights Commission totally undermines the protection of equality and rights for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.” Many local community organisations have joined the ERA which says it represents “nearly 3 million people including women, older people, carers, people with disabilities, children, workers, immigrants, Travellers and gay, lesbian and bi-sexual people and many others.”
Recycle cardboard and ride out the recession! In recessionary times, innovation is the key to survival. As part of our service to community organisations nationwide (and indeed the banking sector) we are unveiling the latest in cardboard technology. With technical advice and support from Horace McDermott, ‘Changing Ireland’s agony uncle (and one-time community development worker) we have developed a range of new products that are easy on the environment, don’t hurt the pocket and can be assembled in a half-day. All you need is cardboard, sellotape and a powerful imagination and, by 5pm today, you and your staff can enjoy the comforts of a new-look office, refitted with new desks, chairs, computers, phones and a comfortable staff canteen (window optional). You might as well go for the fridge as well if you’ve enough cardboard. Kindly study our product models in the accompanying photographs for guidance.
“We never really looked into
recycling
before this,” said Horace McDermott.
“We’ve piloted all these products in Ballybog and they give your office a whole new look,” reported Horace. “We never really looked into recycling before this. Now everyone is talking about us.” As news of our new cardboard technology spreads, Ireland’s banks have reportedly begun to hoard cardboard and hope to replace all their computers and phones (and financial analysts) with cardboard cutouts shortly. “We need to adjust our expectations in the West and to put more effort into recycling,” said senior banker Gissa Youro.
‘Changing Ireland’,c/o Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick T: 061-458011 (editorial) / 458090 (admin). E: editor@changingireland.ie W: www.changingireland.ie