Some of the figures below might help explain why Ireland’s economy is in such a bad state. We have compared some of the levels of benefits and pensions as well as prices and wages between Ireland and the UK.
The figure speak for themselves really – benefits and pension levels and minimum wage are all higher in Ireland – some as much as 260% more. The cost of living figures are only around 27% higher here. Politicians salaries are also bigger than in the UK – On top of that we pay no property tax or water rates in Ireland.
Old Age Pension (Non Contributory)
UK (Pension Credit) £132.60 (€152.50) ; Ireland €219 (140% higher in Ireland)
Unemployment Benefit (Jobseekers) Aged 30 Single
UK £65.45 – approx €75.25 : Ireland €196 : 260% more in Ireland
Child Benefit for 3 children weekly
UK £47.10 (€54.16) – Ireland €112.38 (100% more in Ireland)
Property Tax
Ireland Nil (at the moment)
England – average Council Tax is £1195 a year (€1374 Euro)
Water Rates
England/Wales Average £350 a year (€402) : Ireland – Nil
Electricity – annual charge for 6000kwh incl standing charges
UK: UK Scottish Power Standard Tariff £706 (€811)
Ireland: ESB – €1097 Euro Ireland is 35% more expensive .
Overall Consumer Prices (From Eurostat June 2009)
Irish Prices were 28% higher than the UK according to Eurostat figures
Minimum Wage – 21 Year old – Ireland €8.65 UK £5.93 (€6.80) 27% Higher in
Ireland
TD Salary (Member of Irish Parliament) €96,672
UK MP Salary £65,738 (€75,600)- TD’s pay is 27% Higher than a UK MP
UK Prime Minister Salary £142500 (€163900)
Taoiseach’s salary € 228,446 – 40% more than the UK