News
Medical Card Protest Rally 2008
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- Senior citizens advocate for rights and support at the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament rally in Dublin.
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- Celebrating senior citizens’ rights and active ageing at the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament event.
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- Senior citizens rally at the Irish Parliament demanding better services and age-friendly policies.
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- Large gathering of Irish seniors advocating for senior citizens’ rights and equality in Ireland.
Community Support for Older People Scheme Suspended
At a time when attacks on Older People are increasing the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament are dismayed to learn that the scheme of community support for Older People is to be suspended. Effective from yesterday the Department will not be accepting any further applications for any of the supports provided under this scheme. We understand the Department has between 50 and 60 applications at present which have yet to be honoured.
The scheme provided Older People living in their own homes with vital community supports which enabled and supported independent living. Administered through grants to local community and voluntary groups it provided individuals with social alarms, small security extras such as chain locks and window locks, outside security lighting and smoke alarms.
Older People supported by supported by willing volunteers at a small cost to the state were assisted to feel and be more safe and secure in their homes. Given the recent increase in robberies around the country from which it would appear that Older People’s homes are being targeted by ruthless gangs the suspension of this grant is all the more regrettable and will cause many Older People and their families’ unnecessary stress.
Be fair to older people
BE FAIR TO OLDER PEOPLE
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament urges the Government to ensure that Older People are not further disadvantaged in Supplementary Budget April 2009. Máiréad Hayes, CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, stated that “Older People are still feeling the effects of Budget 2009. Many are fearful and frightened as they contemplate the changed economic circumstances both in Ireland and worldwide.”
The following table illustrates that when compared with the EU average State Pension at 60% of the average working wage, Ireland’s rate of 32.5% of the average working wage is almost half the EU average.
| Country | State Pension as proportion of average working wage |
| Netherlands | 81.9% |
| Spain | 81.2% |
| Denmark | 79.8% |
| Italy | 67.9% |
| Sweden | 62.1% |
| France | 51.2% |
| Germany | 39.9% |
| Ireland | 32.5% |
| UK | 30.8% |
Source: Aon / OECD; 2007 European Pensions Barometer Report
Noting that Older People in the comparative countries have better health and social care systems she said this Budget must not further disadvantage vulnerable Older People and must treat with justice and fairness.
Loss of Christmas “Bonus” Payment
The Irish Senior Citizens’ Parliament Attacks the Loss of Christmas Bonus Payment
Speaking following today’s Supplementary Budget, Máiréad Hayes, CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, expressed bitter disappointment at the axing of the Pensioners “Christmas Bonus”.
Older People have become totally dependent on this extra payment in the dead of winter to help with their fuel, heating and lighting bills.
Hypothermia is a major difficulty for Older People, causing a number of deaths each year. Whilst this payment is termed a “bonus” the fact is that Older People are reliant on this additional payment to help with these additional winter costs.
This is another unwarranted attack on Older People who are seen as an easy target.