Share Book Launch - 'An Ireland worth working for - Towards a New Democratic Programme'

dublin | arts and media | event notice Thursday April 11, 2019 15:57 by neri - Nevin Economic Research Institute

This year we mark the centenary of the First Dáil. The Irish Labour Party and Trade Union Congress played a significant role in shaping the ‘Democratic Programme’ of the Dáil meeting in January 1919. Yet, much of what was contained in that document was subsequently forgotten or dismissed. The ITUC as forerunner of the ICTU played a constructive role in helping to steer Ireland towards a coherent social vision for the entire island of Ireland. The challenge remains. Following a bruising economic crisis after 2008, the lessons of economic and policy development have not been learned or applied by Government.

Topic: 'An Ireland worth working for - Towards a New Democratic Programme'

Speaker: Dr Tom Healy, Director, NERI

Date: 15th April, 2019

Time: 17:30 book launch followed by a reception

Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre, 1 Eden Quay, Dublin 1

Abstract:

This year we mark the centenary of the First Dáil. The Irish Labour Party and Trade Union Congress played a significant role in shaping the ‘Democratic Programme’ of the Dáil meeting in January 1919. Yet, much of what was contained in that document was subsequently forgotten or dismissed. The ITUC as forerunner of the ICTU played a constructive role in helping to steer Ireland towards a coherent social vision for the entire island of Ireland. The challenge remains. Following a bruising economic crisis after 2008, the lessons of economic and policy development have not been learned or applied by Government.

Three big challenges confront us: (1) a growing and ageing population with all that this implies for healthcare, pensions, education and many other areas, (2) new technologies that will transform the way we work, travel and live and (3) the crisis of the environment that will threaten life on this planet for our children and children’s children. We must not let others claim those areas vital to a progressive social and political vision. In the trade union movement and civil society we need to reclaim work, the ‘social wage’ and ‘enterprise’ development.

Reclaiming work

Work – paid or unpaid – is central to who we are. It is vital that people have access to all forms of work that match their skills and needs. Employment rates need to be higher. However, we need to pay more attention to the quality of work including the wider array of benefits, rights and guarantees. Reconciling the different roles of work, caring and participation in the cultural and community life of the world around us should be made easier by creating pathways that are flexible and that give access to the supports and services that are needed. A living wage is one essential part, only, of an effort to eradicate poverty among those at work.

Reclaiming the ‘social wage’

The ‘social wage’ refers to public goods such as education, healthcare, income support, transport and other services. Work is the basis of the social wage through taxes and the employment of those in the public service. The best way to tackle poverty is to secure jobs and wages that pay. Well paid employment enables people to live with dignity and provides the resources for investment and maintenance of a high level of ‘social wage’.

Reclaiming enterprise/industrial policy

To be for equality is not to be anti-business. A dynamic, pro-business environment can co-exist with a strong social protection safety net as well as a creative and dynamic partnership between public, private and voluntary bodies. A greater role, in the running of enterprises, for workers, consumers and communities could boost productivity and address some of the challenges posed by climate change and the need to switch away from fossil fuels.

On the 15th April, ‘An Ireland worth working for – towards a new democratic programme’ will be launched in Liberty Hall by the Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI). This book will set out how a new Ireland can be created and what it might look like. You are very welcome to come along at 17:30pm.

Registration:
See URL below for details