THE FRAMEWORK document for the basis of talks on an economic recovery programme was not strong enough on protecting social infrastructure and services, the director of the Conference of Religious in Ireland (Cori) has said.
Fr Seán Healy said he met with the Government today and proposed a number of amendments to the framework, which,he said, were accepted.
The amendments included the need to respect the existing commitment to the life cycle policy, the complementary benefits of social and economic development and the need to protect social infrastructure and services.
"The bottom-line is that we need an integrated approach that addresses economic and social development simultaneously as they both need each other," he said.
Whatever is decided in the next few days, the need to protect the vulnerable throughout all stages of the life cycle is vital, he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Community and Voluntary Pillar of Social Partners, Fr Healy said it was critically important that social services be maintained at the current level "as that's what Irish people want to see".
He admitted that better value for money could be achieved on social services, saying "it is likely that some initiatives will have to be postponed, while other issues will have to be made a priority".
He also called for a widening of the tax base and an increased tax take to ensure the tax system is fairer than present.
"It Ireland's tax take was increased to the EU average by 2013, most of the required adjustment would be achieved".
Fr Healy also stressed the importance of aiming labour market initiatives at protecting jobs, addressing the issue of growing employment and addressing the issue of the long-term unemployed.