ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the impact of austerity measures on society’s most vulnerable through the effects they have had on the rights categorised as social and economic, which are often seen politically as easy targets in pursuit of reducing budget deficits. Fineman’s recent re-conceptualisation of vulnerability is one that can be utilised to illustrate state failings in relation to protecting the more vulnerable in society in the realm of social and economic rights. The Committee urged Ireland to ensure that austerity measures are phased out and enhanced protection is given to ESC rights, to consider reviewing its tax regime and to institute human rights impact assessments in the policymaking process. In acknowledgement of the inadequacy of the current position, and in affirmation of the emerging awareness that judicial intervention is necessary, the Constitutional Convention voted in 2014 to strengthen the legal position of social and economic rights.
