Originally Posted by Barnsleyfc

Social welfare benefits are too high in Ireland and need to be revised to encourage people back to work, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

The organisation warned that dole payments are high by international standards and responsible for “low exit rates” from the Live Register.

As the IMF forecast the economy to grow by just 0.5% this year, it said that certain welfare payments should be means-tested to avoid long-term unemployment.

The organisation – one of three bodies overseeing Ireland’s €85bn bailout – suggested people out of work should be willing to take jobs regardless of suitability.

“It is also important to ensure that jobseekers are willing and able to fill jobs when they become available,” it said.

Well if the IMF have so ordered the Government have no choice.

Originally Posted by CookieMonster

I certainly do believe that such payments are too high and lessen the drive to regain employment.

Do you think so? I can only speak for myself but the idea of being out of work frightens the life out of me. The only impact a lower dole payment would have would be to make my life harder, in such a scenario. Obviously, I'm only speaking for myself; but I'd imagine a significant proportion of the population would be the same.

There are a lot of people who view dole as a way of life. Cut the dole and make it difficult for them. Why should I pay a dole mechant for his summer holiday in spain, internet access and use of car?

Originally Posted by bob3344

We should put a time limit on the dole.

there is a time limit on benefit after that it is means tested, if you have no means you get assistance.

Originally Posted by CookieMonster

I certainly do believe that such payments are too high and lessen the drive to regain employment. But that the same time I don't believe the jobs are there to provide such an exit particularly in the case of low skilled and manual workers.

Every time I go into a shop I see mainly eastern europeans & asians working. Why ? Because with the benefits system the way it is, it isn't worthwhile for an irish person to take a job at minimum wage. This has to stop.

Originally Posted by Munnkeyman

Restart the workhouses and get the church to run them.

Can I be a stern headmaster?

Originally Posted by Rural

there is a time limit on benefit after that it is means tested, if you have no means you get assistance.

Yeah, goes on forever & ever & ever. Lunacy.

Originally Posted by bob3344

Every time I go into a shop I see mainly eastern europeans & asians working. Why ? Because with the benefits system the way it is, it isn't worthwhile for an irish person to take a job at minimum wage. This has to stop.

You'd have to reduce the cost of living in tandem with any such endeavour.

Originally Posted by bob3344

We should put a time limit on the dole.

And when it runs out, and people can't find work... not won't work mind, can't find work.. what then? Let them starve ?

Originally Posted by bob3344

Then you get a job or you get food stamps.

Two or three years welfare payments is more than generous. Supporting people endlessly is nuts.

Well then you won't mind if we cease all tax breaks for married couples and families etc.. or that we cut farmers dole, the IDA, payments to Marathon Petroleum, close all loopholes that MNs take advantage of, cuts to Art, culture, education, health, banks...

Grand so, let's all move forward together..