The recent budgetary measures, especially in the social sector, announced by the Government are indeed pleasing to the ear.  The leadership of Dr Michael Falzon as Minister for the Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity is a breath of fresh air notwithstanding he is a seasoned politician.  It is clear that he has worked tirelessly to address some key issues in the social field, a sector which is increasingly complex.  Not only, he has also brought soul and depth.  What is very positive is that we also have a shadow minister who is equally competent and on the right side of things.  He has vision and is an informed politician albeit relatively new to the sector.  I am obviously referring to Hon. Claudio Grech (who would be my automatic choice of PN leader - but on that another time). 

The recent budgetary measures committed to this Ministry were commendable and for all to see. In the budget there are some glossy recommendations, which I find particularly intriguing; a COLA increase of €3.49 per week is a good omen, even though I am still very uncertain on this mechanism.  (Every year we get unions and other social partners talking about the need to review the system that can govern our decisions more fairly and equitably.  We are still unable to find an adequate alternative that does not destabilize the economy but on the other hand retains a more judicious representation of what the real rise in cost of living is about). There are other encouraging initiatives like the special ‘one-off’ bonus to make up for milk and bread price increases, ‘a day’ will be added to the leave entitlement which should go to family time (hopefully), measures have been developed to ensure equal pay for jobs of equal value, the flag bearer initiative whereby pensioners will receive an increase of €7 per week, parents will get €300 bonus for every child born or adopted, disability pension for those who cannot work will increase to €161 per week, to mention just a few. 

If they are anything to go with I predict that we will be able to see segments in our community that are living an improved quality of life.  It is also clear that through the dedication of so much funding in this area, the Government is finally becoming conscious of how dangerous our situation becomes when relying entirely on material wealth and GDP rationalization.  At times I feel we’re like children who go crazy in a candy shop and after wolfing on sweets end up with a bad stomach.  Our economy seems to be inviting us to do the same.  We are all spirited and brisk because we can consume, maybe generate more money, and yet we are ending up bilious.

Some challenges we need to look straight in the eyes are:

 

Pressing issues

We need to address some very important social issues, namely; the growing threat of homelessness, xenophobia and racism, rent hikes, solitary confinement, human trafficking, poverty and social exclusion, the over reliance on child care, poverty, lack of physical accessibility, the growing demand for residential care (for the elderly, persons with disability and children), to mention just a few. 

 

Planning

We need a wide-ranging plan in the social/welfare sector to take us through the complexities that are developing in our society.  We cannot go about taking massive decisions without a clear plan of action and without direction on how the millions of Euros dedicated to the social sector are going to be spent to the best possible use.  We also need to develop a system that will compute the impact of the social measures.

 

Residential care

We seem to value residential care above everything else in this Country as the solution to all woes, especially when it comes to the elderly.  Whilst having residential provision is very important, for people who are sick and poorly, we need to focus on strengthening the community services and the family.  It is becoming so easy to dismiss and relocate the responsibility on the State.  Our community services seem to be feeble and puny or else we are not putting in enough resources there.  Possibly even worse our politicians are happier opening residences which are more lucrative in terms of popularity.

 

GDP

We need to make a quantum leap and start thinking not only in GDP terms but also measure our social wellbeing against other criteria, namely, happiness, equality and human rights, decent standard of living, life satisfaction and quality of life. 

 

Volunteering

Finally, we need to strengthen our volunteering base.  This is what characterized our communities over these last decades.  We were, and still are very strong, when it comes to volunteering.  It remains an important resource for all the community.  Volunteering makes the community tick better.  It makes people healthier and happier, connects us to others and is good for one’s mind and physical wellbeing.  It is also a good opportunity to advance one’s career and brings fun and fulfillment.  

However, we need to be vigilant that as individuals and as a State we are aware where the money that is pocketed by some NGOs is going and who and how it is being spent.  There are some dicey initiatives out there that make the hair on the back of my neck stand up.