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