From the forced 100% repayment to reckless banks and bondholders who gambled and lost but who really did not lose at all, to the cost to the Irish people that was foisted on them, without their agreement – it is astonishing how anyone could object to budgets taking human rights concerns into the equation when piecing together major budgetary decisions that impact on some of the poorest people in society. I introduced my Private Members Motion for the need for Human Rights Based Budgets to the Dail this week, this would ensure that human aspects such as standard of living and human rights would be taken into account before implementing national budgets. I was very disappointed that the Government opposed this and it shows a further disconnect between the Government and the ordinary person. What some people suffered during the downturn must be acknowledged, it could happen again and that is why it is vital we put human rights and the common good at the heart of what we do.
