With all the talk of the budget in the air these last few days I was really taken with the amounts of money that are being discussed. Billions more in expenditure, millions poured into different sectors and then relatively small amounts of money when the effect on real people’s income gets mentioned. It’s not kind to repeat some of the robust commentary from the Dail debate, but the put down directed across the floor to the Minister for Finance that all his hard work amounted to “a kit kat budget from a tik tok minister”, was both funny and memorable. Social inequality is always highlighted in the distribution of budget surplus, as we all reflect on the plight of the unemployed, the elderly, the carers, those living with disabilities, not to mention sub-standard housing, the cost of fuel and the needs of students and those who commute long distances. Having a State that can and does offer help and support for the poor, the marginalised and the sick is at the heart of our democracy, validates the taxes we pay and the common contract that we share, trying to ensure that no one gets left behind. At the other end of the spectrum are these mammoth multinationals which generate extraordinary corporate taxes in ways that most of us don’t really understand. Alongside the State sector and the budget there is still a need for the Voluntary and Charitable sector in which the churches live, breath and make their contribution. People need money of course, but they also need care, affection, compassion and that connection that comes in the community when people are simply the ‘good neighbour’ to one and other. Budgets don’t really impact so much on the reasons why people act kindly, justly and with heart, reaching out to others, here and in the Missions overseas, to alleviate poverty, address hunger, provide education and health services and to share the Good News. Thanks again for all the ways you support the church, parish and missions from your household budget, we never take it for granted and always try to use it well.
