Pensioners have waited long enough

Pensions increase must be paid from January 2017

Reports from media sources today bring us the good news that the amount of money available to Government for BUDGET 2017 has increased by at least €200 million bringing total available spend to at least €1.2billion. At the same time media sources also report that the payment of the “promised” €5 to pensioners maybe deferred.

Any deferral of the payment beyond January 1^st would be a retrograde step. For older people the months after Christmas are very bleak and lonely. There is a flat feeling after  Christmas with very little to look forward to, except additional heating bills and confinement to home base due to inclement weather and shortage of money.

Seniors Ireland recognise that “leaks” and “wish lists” are part of the normal jostling and lobbying, within the same party, between coalition partners and also the parties who support the government. However if the question of a deferral of this payment to older people is being used in this way then we say it is cynical and should stop now. It is causing anxiety to older people that money promised to them in Party Manifestos will not be granted and paid with effect from 1^st January 2016.

Mairead Hayes CEO today called for  Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar T.D. to publicly address this matter and to stand up for and support pensioners   to ensure that they receive the payment with effect from 1^st January 2017”.

ENDS

Contact Mairead Hayes 086 349 8848