A new position paper, which gives an insight into the areas that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could focus on in their efforts to get Ireland’s economy reignited has been approved.
The paper, has been given the sign off by Ajai Chopra, deputy director of the IMF’s European department, who is also spearheading the IMF delegation in Ireland, according to the Irish Examiner.
The paper recommends lowering dole payments depending on the duration the person has been on the benefit, as well as a review of the minimum wage, which currently stands at €8.65 per hour.
Child care and an encouragement for women to join the labour force are also included in the paper, not to mention the suggestion of tax amendments.
The changes that the IMF wish to impose are expected to come in swiftly and could be in contravention of Bunreacht na hEireann articles 41.2.1 and 41.2.2 which state “The State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved” and “The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.”
