News
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.
Over 70 medical card crisis: Call to action
TO: Each Organisation affiliated to the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament
Dear Colleague,
This is a very difficult time for Older People in Ireland. Since Budget Day the issue of the withdrawal of the Medical Card for Older People has dominated the airwaves and, indeed, the Parliament has been inundated with ‘phone calls and emails from Older People and their families on the matter. We are actively campaigning to seek the withdrawal by Government of this draconian measure which will have such an adverse affect on the lives of Older People and their families.
Each and every one of your organisations can play a vital role in seeking to retain the Medical Card for Older People by lobbying all your local representatives especially those from the Government Parties i.e. Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats and the Independents who support the government. Make your opposition known to the opposition as well. Ask all of them to work to have the decision reversed by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children and the Government.
The Older People of Ireland did not create the situation whereby the delivery of Medical Card services for Older People costs four times more at €640.00 per person. Older People must be relieved of the fear and stress caused by this proposal. The facts and figures which have emerged are truly staggering. Older People for a long time have been classed as high rollers and people on vast incomes who were in possession of a Medical Card. We have seen that this has not been the case and that the majority of Older People are on very low incomes as shown by the fact that ⅔ of them already had a Medical Card before they reached age 70.
You, the members, are critical to the success of this campaign. You must go to your local representatives and ask them to have this measure withdrawn. This issue is so vital for Older People. We must not be seen as ‘easy targets’.
In the period since the over 70s Medical Card has been in place there was ample time to negotiate proper arrangements with regard to its delivery. It seems strange that rather than tackling that issue the Government is now tackling the recipients most of whom are ringing our offices in fear and dread.
Get out there! Get working! Get talking to your local politicians and demand that this be withdrawn.
Yours sincerely,
Máiréad Hayes
Chief Executive Officer