The budget of the dept of social welfare and what it says

[shnaek]

I was just thinking today - what does it say about Ireland that we take in €35bn in income, and the Department of Social Welfare spends over half of that?

I'm not looking for an argument on the merits of that here - just what people think this says about Ireland. Does it say, for example, that we're a socialist country? Or does it say that we value social welfare higher than other things? Does it say that we have more people in our country that can't look after themselves than can? Or is it a good reflection on how much we care about people who are unemployed/single parents etc.

The fact that we spend so much on health surely shows how much we value our health, so does the fact that we spend practically all our income on health and social welfare then show that we as a nation value these things way above anything else?

 

[The_Banker]

I think it says that we have a useless government who are incapable of running the economy.
They were unable to run it during the boom but because so much was coming into revenue coffers their incompetance was hidden.

 

[Staples]

The fact that we spend so much on health surely shows how much we value our health, so does the fact that we spend practically all our income on health and social welfare then show that we as a nation value these things way above anything else?

I think it shows that we attach a strong importance to the issues health and welfare.

I also think the proportions of income spent on both, and the problems with both services that still exist, indicates that that they are not issue that money alone is capable of correcting. There must be many aspects of helath and welfare delivery that aren't justifiable and a priority for any governmetn, given the scale of expenditure involved, is to isolate and remove these become they become (any more) engrained into our national consciousness.

 

[Shawady]

I think it says the government lost control of spending in social welfare just as it did in other areas. I think as recently as 2003 social welfare bill was €8 billion.
Don't forget, in 2004 Bertie became a socialist.

 

[Pique318]

I think it says a few things:
a) Social Welfare is seen as untouchable. How dare we reduce it! How dare someone suggest that those in receipt of it are undeserving (even when many many are)!
b) Medical card fees are extortionate. GPs are laughing all the way to the bank. 10 years as a GP and you can retire as a wealthy person, based on the Medical Card figures of a few docs I've seen in the local papers (and these were the ones in small rural communities, I dread to think what the ones with a much larger patient list are making!).
c)we're too feckin soft,
d) Socialism is an inherently good idea (the well-off contribute so that those unable to support themselves can have a comfortable existance).
e) Socialism 'Irish-style'(the better-off contribute so that those unwilling to support themselves can have a very comfortable existance) is a farce. Long-term unemployed are not questioned when it comes to employment opportunities. 'Single mothers' given free/massively subsidised accommodation while having their partner living with them for free. Proliferation of benefits making it un-worthwhile going to work. No means-testing of child benefit.
f) We need to put a limit on the amount of time that employable people can claim dole/unemployment assistance/medical cards/rent alowance/etc. It HAS to be done. We're breeding a generation of people who are well able to work but claim benefits instead. No jobs ? Well, where have all the immigrants worked for the past few years ?
g) Just because a person 'needs' state help/assistance, doesn't necessarily mean they deserve it or should be automatically entitled to it.

Phew, I feel better now.
This IS 'LOS' innit ?