As the General Election campaign gets officially underway the Community Platform has launched Four Tests for the next Government.
The Platform will use these tests to assess the seriousness of the next Government in addressing the causes and consequences of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland in its Programme for Government and in its implementation over the next five years.
Test 1: Will the Government redistribute income towards the poorest 20% of the population?
Test 2: Will the Government strengthen access to quality employment?
Test 3: Will the Government restore and strengthen public services which are of particular importance to people on low income?
Test 4: Will the Government support mechanisms to ensure that all areas of policy and decisions work to reduce poverty and inequality?
The Community Platform is a network of 28 of the main national organisations working to address poverty, social exclusion, and inequality. Our objectives are to facilitate solidarity amongst the organisations involved, organise community sector participation in partnership arrangements with the State, and establish a critical voice for equality, rights and anti-poverty interests at a national level.
