Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Social Democrats spokesperson for International Affairs and Dublin Bay North TD, Cian O’Callaghan, warned that a no trade deal Brexit will have a disproportionate impact on low income households and has called on the Government to poverty proof its plan.
Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“The Government needs to put additional protections in place for low income households who will be hit hardest in the event of a no trade deal Brexit.
“Those on low incomes spend most of their money on food, rent and utilities. A sudden and unexpected rise in food prices in the event of a no trade deal Brexit would have a disproportionate impact on those households.
“Many will simply be unable to absorb such a sudden shock. Those who are already at risk of poverty will suffer most. We cannot allow this to happen.
“Those working in services and on low incomes will be most affected by a no trade deal Brexit – many have already been economically impacted by Covid-19.
“Low income households must be at the heart of our discussion and decision making on a no trade deal Brexit. The Brexit Bill before the Dáil does nothing to protect low income households in the event of sudden food price increases. We need to poverty proof our no trade deal Brexit plan.”
November 11, 2020