The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament has issued a special “News in Brief” outlining the impact of Budget 2010 on Older People. Click here: News in Brief Budget 2010 to view / download the newsletter (pdf format).
Budget 2010 – News in Brief
Budget 2010 & Older People
Reaction to Budget 2010 is mixed as far as Older People are concerned said Máiréad Hayes CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament today following the announcement of the Budget. While the State Pension has not been touched per se, we must remember that Older People’s income has already been reduced by 2% by the […]
“On the last day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
€10 increase in pension Dear Brian, The vision in the current social partnership agreement “Towards 2016” is that “Every older person would have access to an income which is sufficient to sustain an acceptable standard of living.” Over 50% of Older People in Ireland are dependent on the state pension as their main source of […]
“On the second day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Take care of our Carers Dear Brian, Many Older People are full-time care givers and their role needs to be recognised in Budget 2010. It has been estimated by the Carers Association that family carers are saving the Government €2.5billion per year by providing over 192million hours of caring work per year. Family carers should be […]
“On the third day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Living alone / Over-80 increases Dear Brian, The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice has shown that the cost of living alone equals 73% of the cost of living as a couple. The state helps the 26.7% of all people aged 65+ in Ireland who live alone by paying them a living alone increase amounting to […]
“On the fourth day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Carbon Tax relief Dear Brian, We are very concerned that the introduction of a carbon tax may only worsen the position of the 10% of older people who are already experiencing fuel poverty. The Parliament is seeking assurances that measures to protect vulnerable older people will be introduced alongside any carbon taxes. We agree with […]
“On the fifth day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Don’t tax household benefits for older people Dear Brian, Over the years Older People have gained a number of very helpful schemes. These so-called “free schemes” include the provision of passports, electricity or gas, telephone and the television license. Please do not succumb to the temptation to tax these schemes. “Why not?” You may ask. […]
“On the sixth day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Keep the Travel Pass Dear Brian, It is essential that the Free Travel Scheme remains in place for all Older People! The free travel scheme is a major enabling factor in allowing the social participation of Older People in their communities. Social participation is extremely important in tackling loneliness and isolation amongst Older People. Not […]
“On the seventh day before the budget, Older People asked of Brian …”
Re-instate the pensioners Christmas payment Dear Brian, We strongly urge you to reconsider the withdrawal of the extra week’s payment for pensioners. This payment provided many vulnerable Older People with additional income to help with the cost of heating and fuel bills during the long winter period. Older People have become dependent on this extra […]