News
Was this a Restorative Budget for Older people?
In our Pre-Budget Submission we looked, not just for increases for older people for 2017/2018 but for a Programme of Recovery for Older People 2018-2020 in which government would outline their intentions and plans for older people. Naively, we expected there would be a plan, because in the run up to the BUDGET there were promises, that government would outline, not just the measures for this Budget but also their plans and intentions for future Budgets.
This just did not happen.
The State Pension has increased by €5, which is welcome, however our members are disappointed that yet again the payment is deferred to week commencing 26th March 2018, a period of 12 weeks into 2018. This deferral reduces the average payment over the year from €5 to €3.84 per week. We call on government as a matter of urgency to reconsider this decision and to pay the increase from an earlier date.
An increase in any payment is additional money and is appreciated; however we are very disappointed that the increase in the Fuel Allowance is one additional week, which brings the total payment from 26 to 27 weeks. Our ASK was for an additional payment of 3 weeks to bring the total payment to 29 weeks. This is still 3 weeks less that the 32 weeks which were previously paid. This is a critical means tested payment for older people and others across the life cycle. Without homes that are well insulated and well heated Older People will not be enabled to remain at home. For some time now there has been a campaign to raise awareness and seek the views of people in respect of HOME CARE. The desire to remain and age at home is strong among older people. A basic need and requirement to fulfil that desire is that they live in homes which are well heated otherwise the option to age at home may only be available to those on higher incomes.
The cost of heating across all the utilities has increased and the costs are further increased by the additional increased PSO levy which all customers will have to pay.
The restoration of the Telephone Support Allowance at a rate of €2.50 from June 2018 is a start for those who meet the twin criteria of Living Alone and are in receipt of Fuel Allowance. However we are concerned that the twin requirements for this payment and the level of payment will not enable many older people, especially those in Rural Ireland to get a land line or a telephone service which meets their needs.
We welcome the across the board reduction in prescription charges for medical card holders in line with the rates applicable to the over 70s as well as the €10 reduction on the threshold for the Drugs Refund Scheme from €144 to €134. However we are disappointed that there was no recognition of the increased burden borne by those who live alone in relation to both payments.
What do you think?
ENDS
CONTACT : Máiread Hayes 086 349 8848
Media Statement: Budget 2018
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP), representing 300 affiliated organisations calls on all those involved in the BUDGET 2018 negotiations to remember their election promises to Older People and to ensure that Budget 2018 measures, incrementally seek 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.
To achieve this we seek an increase of €6.00 for those on:
- State Pension
- Living Alone Allowance
- Aged Over 80.
These three categories are vulnerable and Budget 2018 must take care of them.
We welcomed the gradual restoration of the State Pension in Budget 2017, despite the deferred payment date. The ‘older old’ and those who live aloneare of particular concern to our members. In most cases, their savings are gone and they have additional expenses and outlays as a result of increased frailty and lack of mobility. Further, their costs and taxes, such as Property Tax, Prescription Charges and the Drugs Repayment Scheme, are the same for them as a 6 person household.
Our specific proposals, informed by input from members across Ireland, are for the RESTORATION OF CUTS and an outline of a time table for delivery of the Household Benefits Package and other areas which were cut. The restoration of the Telephone Allowance is a top priority for older people in Budget 2018.
Adequate heating, in particular an increase in the means tested Fuel Allowance, is a priority. All the utility companies have, or, are about to increase their charges and the government PSO levy is also to increase. That is why we are asking for a reinstatement of a further 3 weeks of this allowance for Winter 2017/2018.
ENDS
9th October 2017
Contact details: Mairead Hayes, 086 349 8848
DCU Love of Life Long Learning
A wide range of modules are being offered by DCU Age-Friendly University this Autumn for older people, beginning October 16th.
For more information on the Love of Life Long Learning Programme, call 01 700 8933 or e-mail Christine at christine.okelly@dcu.ie
DCU Educational Opportunities
Some exciting opportunities for older people are available at Dublin City University (DCU). DCU is an Age Friendly University, and is committed to widening access to higher education, and enhancing the lives of older people through educational programmes and research. For more information, contact the DCU Age Friendly programme here.
Opportunities
- An extended range of modules from DCU’s undergraduate programme are available to take on an audit only basis for this Semester. These modules have been reduced to 100.00 per course from 250.00. There are no exams or assignments but participants do need to download and compete the registration with DCU and details of the courses are on www.dcu.ie/agefriendly under Current Opportunities. As the Semester is due to commence shortly there is a short window of opportunity to register for a place. If participants wish to undertake this course for credit towards an award they will have to undertake assignments and exams and the cost for this is €500.
- The Taste of DCU will take place on Friday, September 29th – 9.30 am – 4.00pm. This is a free event on the DCU campus and is a whole day of mini modules delivered by DCU lecturers, showcasing the range of opportunities in DCU. The main activities will take place in the Henry Grattan building and a photo exhibition by the DCU Digital Photography Group will take place on The Street in the Henry Grattan.