Tuesday the 15^th of March 2011, social workers across Europe and across the globe celebrated World Social Work Day 2011.  “Social Work voices responding to global crises: Together we develop the Agenda!” is the common theme for this year’s celebration.  European national associations for social workers are informing each other about the social consequences of the financial crisis in each country.  Based on these findings, IFSW Europe aims to articulate European social workers’ joint demands to the politicians and the public as to interventions that can help to reduce these consequences.

            Also on this day, social workers in Ireland and across the globe celebrated their involvement and achievements in working with and on behalf on the disadvantaged.  Therefore, the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) renews its commitment to those who never glimpsed the so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ and to those who are now stranded in the wake of its collapse.  During those years, Irish society became more unequal because the gap between rich and poor increased.  Through its broad training, skills, knowledge and experiences, Irish social work has much to offer as we face the economic and social challenges during the next few years.

            The IASW declares that the users of social work services in Ireland, that is, those who are vulnerable, and/or excluded in our society should not have to bear the cost of the failures of the powerful.  The IASW calls on the Government to honour its commitment to renewal and reform by espousing the fundamental principles of social justice and give substance to the human rights of the weakest in our midst.  In doing this, the IASW asks the government to reverse the financial cuts imposed by the previous government on those who can least afford to manage and to seek ways to re-balance our society so that poverty and social exclusion are eradicated once and for all.

John Brennan

IASW International Committee

IFSW