News
Dignity & Respect for all
Respect & Dignity
Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his address to the nation wants an Ireland where we can all grow old with Respect & Dignity.
If the reports in today’s media are to be believed that will not happen for the many facing the prospect of a loss of 6 weeks Fuel Allowance in BUDGET 2012? What are the prospects of respect and dignified living for families and older people in such circumstances?
Máiread Hayes, CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament urges the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D. to reconsider any proposal which will result in cutting by 6 weeks the Fuel Allowance of €20 per week to all those who qualify for it.
This payment is means tested and any cuts to it will result in serious problems for all who receive it across the life cycle. In particular it will mean that Older People will go to bed earlier or indeed stay in bed longer in their efforts to keep warm.
Think again Minister and do not put vulnerable families and older people through any more distress than they are already feeling in the present sub zero temperatures.
ENDS
For further information contact
Mairead Hayes
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (01) 8561243 / 086 349 8848
Eligibility may affect you
Changes to PENSIONS ELIGIBILITY
Effective September 2012 changes to Average PRSI contribution requirements for a State Pensions will result in a new 6 tier payment structure.
Based on today’s rates this will mean lower payments for those who retire from 1st September 2012. The changes as now set out will range from €4.20-€22.70 per week. Taken on their own these cuts will create hardship for many older people especially for those who have broken PRSI records. Many women fall into this category and unless the change is accompanied by a determined effort to look at their unique positions they will badly affected.
Máiréad Hayes, CEO of the ISCP, called on Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. to examine these proposals which were unveiled for the first time today and to engage in consultation with Older People and their organisations on the matter.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Mairead Hayes
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (01) 8561243 / 086 349 8848
When is a Promise NOT a Promise
The announcement by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton T.D. that the Government has reduced the fuel, phone, electricity and gas payments to Older People, Carers and those on long term Social Welfare is seen by many Older People as a breach of faith.
Just recently the Tánaiste promised there would be no reductions in Social Welfare and the Taoiseach promised there would be no Tax increases. At the stroke of a pen we have a Mini Budget which means there is €17million less for these vulnerable groups as we face into winter 2011. As of now they can look forward in 2012 to having €65million less.
Responding to the matter of under-usage in the Minister’s statement Mairead Hayes said
With fixed incomes already reduced and fear of further cuts, Older People tell us they us they are afraid to use their units and try to keep them for the really bad weather. When one remembers the last two winters we have experienced we can readily understand why this is.
This latest announcement will only add to the fear and dread about where and when the next cut will come. We urge all Older People to make their views know to their Public representatives.
ENDS
For further information contact
Mairead Hayes
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (01) 8561243 / 086 349 8848
Nursing Home Support Scheme
Stop the anxiety and uncertainty for Older People and their families
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament calls on the Minister for Health James O’Reilly T.D. to clarify immediately the position with regard to the ongoing funding for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme and to ensure that the necessary actions are taken by the HSE to ensure that the Support Scheme continues to be available to those Older People and their families who need it.
Older People and their families must have certainty about the future for their loved ones who through stroke, dementia or other age related illnesses need care in a residential setting. For many this need occurs at the end of a caring and coping period in the person’s own home through the support of family, community care and other supports. This is a basic need and must be available to those who need it.
In this matter of such concern to Older People we call on the Minister for Service for Older People, Kathleen Lynch T.D. to intervene to have this matter resolved for Older People and their families. We urge her to use her voice to ensure that no Older Person is denied the care they need.
ENDS
For further information contact
Mairead Hayes
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (01) 8561243