News
Media Statement: The Fair Deal & Vacant Housing
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) is concerned at statements from the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy relating to the possible alteration of rules to the Fair Deal regarding the leasing out of vacant property by older people.
Though at this stage, details of potential changes remain unclear, we feel that forcing older people would not represent a solution to the current housing crisis. Indeed, older people already contribute 80% of their income in order to cover the cost of nursing home care. We feel this is more than enough.
Whilst we fully recognise the urgency of the situation, such an arrangement would not offer a fair or appropriate solution. With funding for social housing cut by almost 90% between 2008 and 2014, alongside a waiting list of 90,000 households, it is clear where the problem lies. In order to adequately address the housing crisis, an increased supply of housing, as well as a focus on provision of housing suitable to the specific needs of many older people, is required. Indeed, where, for example, older people wish to downsize their property, they should be facilitated to do so. As part of efforts to tackle the housing crisis, choice, fairness and autonomy must be preserved.
We call on the Minister to clarify his position on the matter and would urge the Government to respect and consider the needs and wishes of older people in relation to this issue.
Máiréad Hayes
CEO
086 349 8848
Media Statement – Budget 2018
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP), representing 330 affiliated organisations, is calling for the delivery of election promises in Budget 2018. Tomorrow at the Department of Employment and Social Protection Pre-Budget Forum in Dublin Castle, we look forward to discussing with Minister Regina Doherty T.D the EXPECTATIONS of older people for BUDGET 2018
We seek in BUDGET 2018 the implementation of A Programme of Recovery for Older People 2018-2020.
We now need concrete proposals and timelines which will incrementally restore and improve the conditions, health and general wellbeing of all older people.
Our specific proposals, informed by input from members across Ireland, include the Restoration of Cuts and Benefits and an Agreed Timetable to achieve this over the next 2 years.
We have welcomed the gradual restoration of the State Pension, but now it is time to accelerate this process and that is why we are calling for a €6, across the board, increase to all State Pensions and the restoration of the Transition Pension, or, failing this, an increase in the Jobseeker’s Allowance for older workers.
The issue of the ‘older old’ is also vitally important, with increasing frailty and mobility issues leading to increased costs. We are asking for an increase of €6 to the State Pension for all older people aged over 80.
We also call for an end to the unfair system of denial of access for pensioners to the industrial machinery of the State to vindicate their rights with regard to occupational pensions and for the introduction of a Pension Protection Fund, similar to that which exists in the UK.
Máiréad Hayes
CEO
086 349 8848
Submit your views on Home Care
The Department of Health has launched a public consultation process on the future of Home Care in Ireland. It is so important that your views on such an essential service are clearly heard, in order to ensure a decent, equitable and sustainable Home Care system in Ireland.
The Irish Senior Citizens’ Parliament will be delivering a submission, but individual submissions are also vital.
Submit your feedback at this link.
Please note that there are two survey options to choose from – an Easy Read and a Standard version.
