COPE Galway is urging the Government to prioritise spending to address social inequality and disadvantage in the upcoming Budget 2025. The local Galway charity is calling for targeted measures to address the root causes of poverty and inequality faced by so many in our communities.
“Measures such as this one, which will protect older people from the impacts of inflation, should also be extended to anyone at risk of poverty,” said COPE Galway’s Martin O’Connor. “We need to shift the dial on inequality – the recent cost of living increases have shown us just how precarious living situations can be for far too many in our community.”
COPE Galway’s pre-budget submission also calls for a doubling of social housing targets and increased investment in routes out of homelessness. In addition, their submission emphasises the importance of homecare for older people, recommending more funding for homecare hours and the introduction of a statutory homecare scheme to enable older people to continue to live at home.
COPE Galway also draws attention to the ongoing crisis of domestic abuse and the need for structural reform to effectively address this issue. The organisation emphasises that tackling domestic abuse requires a coordinated effort across all levels of government and society.
“Around one in four women in Ireland experience domestic abuse,” noted Martin O’Connor. “To truly address this, we need systemic change that targets the underlying causes of this and all forms of gender-based violence. This requires investment in key areas to shift public perceptions and move closer to a zero-tolerance society.”
“Housing, safety and financial security are basic human rights,” O’Connor continued. “Government must ensure that Budget 2025 includes targeted funding to guarantee these essentials for everyone in our community.”
In 2023, COPE Galway responded to the needs of 3,427 people in Galway across their Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services.
You can read COPE Galway’s full pre-budget submission at copegalway.ie/prebudgetsubmission.
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Media Queries: Colette Coughlan, 085 858 9781 / ccoughlan@copegalway.ie
Background Information
COPE Galway delivers essential social services across Galway City and County. We understand and are responsive to the needs of people in our community who struggle with the challenges of homelessness and domestic abuse and we support older people towards healthy, independent ageing. Our mission is to make a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities.
In 2023, COPE Galway supported 3,427 people in our community across their Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services.