For mná na hÉireann (the women of Ireland) Budget 2023 has many positive developments including commitments to childcare and healthcare but concerns remain that marginalised women and women in poverty may be left behind
Some of the positives for women include commitments to childcare and healthcare. One-off supports are also welcome. But ESRI analysis and the National Women’s Council of Ireland both state that, long-term, this budget will not protect women from poverty and income inequality.
Dublin Rape Crisis has welcomed the specific allocation in Budget 2023 of €9m for the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence sector. Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath announced earlier that the allocation for Justice will support ‘the delivery of an ambitious five-year programme of reform to address service demand and support the establishment of a new statutory agency for domestic, sexual and gender based violence’.
DRCC’s CEO, Noeline Blackwell, said DRCC had called for such provision in its pre-budget submission and that the investment would go some way to address long-term underfunding: “Some of this funding will go to meet the shortfall that currently exists for services, but it is very positive to see specific funding for the new agency laid out in the Third National Strategy.
“Our submission ahead of Budget 2023 highlighted the important work done in our sector and the impact of this funding gap on our work, so we very much welcome the ring-fencing of funds to relieve some of the strain as well as to provide for essential new projects and services,” she commented.
What will Budget 2023 mean for gender equality across Ireland?
Childcare
Budget 2023 represented a significant breakthrough on childcare. The investments in Budget 2023 must be built on in the next two budgets, as part of a pathway to a public model of childcare that is affordable, accessible and of high quality.
Public Healthcare
The GP card extension will particularly benefit women between the ages of 45 and 64, as this age group is much more likely to visit their GP when they have a GP card or medical card. This is a vital progression towards developing a universal healthcare system in Ireland which is of particular importance for women.
Mental Health
The creation of a Youth Mental Health Lead is a very welcome development in Budget 2023. Young women are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety and eating disorders. But it is disappointing to see a lack of investment in Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services and investment to progress Ireland’s first Mother and Baby Unit (MBU).
Lone Parents
An increase of only €2 in the Qualified Child Increase is hugely disappointing. Government also failed to increase the Working Family Payment beyond the one-off payment. It is well established that these payments are the most effective way of addressing poverty.
Disabled Women
The one-off cost of living payment of €500 for disabled people pales in comparison to the ongoing, day to day, extra costs experience by disabled people, estimated at €8,700-€12,300 in government’s recent report.
Asylum Seekers and Roma women – Child Benefit restrictions
The Habitual Residence Condition will still act as a barrier for Roma women to access child benefit. The payment is also not available to mothers in Direct Provision.
Violence Against Women
Irish women have welcomed the additional investment to tackle violence against women. However additional funding in this Budget will still not meet the number of domestic violence refuge accommodation units required under the Istanbul Convention. In addition, the government’s overall housing strategy will not address the systemic issues underpinning this crisis for women.
Housing
Budget 2023 committed to a €500 rent tax relief for 2022 and 2023. Given the extremely high cost of rent, this will do little to address affordability. Many women will not even be able to avail of this small support. The tax credit is not available to those receiving rent supports like Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Around three fifths of those in receipt of HAP are women.
Traveller women
Funding of €20m is allocated in 2023 for the delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation. However, there was no specific mention of funding for a statutory Traveller Agency with powers to approve and enforce Local Authority accommodation.
Climate Action
Budget 2023 did deliver a number of one-off measures to help people with increasing energy costs. However, lone parent households, predominantly led by women, experience greater fuel poverty and eligibility was not extended to those on Working Family Payment which would have particularly benefitted lone parents.
Taxation
Of the €1.26bn allocated to tax initiatives in Budget 2023, 67% of this was allocated to benefit higher rate taxpayers. Since women are more likely to be part time and low paid workers, it is likely that this measure will further entrench income inequalities experienced by women.
Find a full gender analysis of Budget 2023 by the National Women’s Council of Ireland here