Sir, – We are in the midst of a confluence of momentous events, including the war in eastern Europe, the pandemic, climate change and the widening application of artificial intelligence in society. The Irish Government is ostensibly committed to living-wage policies while at the same time it is reviewing the available cost of living supports.
Surely now is the time to make a visionary and historic initiative, amid the tumult of changes arising in the world, by committing to what one day would become a universal basic income.
This could be achieved in stages, with an initial commitment to a basic income for those on welfare and those who earn lower wages.
In this way we can provide an affordable social contract for all into our future, and enhance societal cohesion in the midst of coming upheavals and change. – Yours, etc,
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Dr FINIAN FALLON,
Dublin 8.