Sir, – We learn that the Coalition leaders are going to "examine supports to offset the rising cost of living" (News, February 3rd). The support to business and workers during the pandemic, the recent €1,000 for frontline workers and the €100 rebate on energy bills have proven to be inequitable and divisive.
Our present welfare system creates dependency, maintains and increases poverty and continues the attitude of dependency, control and subordination of governments, TDs and many others toward the many struggling and deprived in our unjust society. The implementation of universal basic income, to replace our present welfare system and plethora of “supports”, in 2022 would represent a positive move toward a cohesive, fair and just society. – Yours, etc,
HUGH McDERMOTT,
Dromahair,
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Co Leitrim.