Overview

The 2009 campaign took place in a context of real and well-founded fears about possible cuts to pensions and related supports. Thanks to campaigning action by thousands of older people the State Pension and related supports were protected in the Budget 

This is how Older & Bolder framed the campaign at the time 

“Older & Bolder’s recent report on its nationwide consultation with older people revealed that there is a deep sense of worry and insecurity about the future of the Old Age Pension and other supports and services as the December budget looms.

“Older people’s worries are real and well-founded.  Last year, without any warning, the Government cut back on the Medical Card for over 70s and earlier this year they imposed a 2% cut in the income of those dependent on the State Pension, when they suspended this year’s Christmas Bonus.  The McCarthy Report has called for a further 5% cut in all welfare benefits – including the pension – and it proposed the discontinuation of the Rural Transport Scheme, as well as the imposition of a €5 fee on all GMS prescription products.  It is no wonder that older people are anxious about their future and this is why Older & Bolder is launching this nationwide campaign.

“The facts show that the majority of older people are concentrated in the lower income brackets and they are heavily reliant on State Pensions and transfers like the Fuel Allowance and free travel.  A significant percentage of older people are at risk of poverty and this would be much higher if the Pension and other supports are cut back.”

"Older & Bolder is urging older people, and all members of our community, to support the campaign and to act now to protect their incomes and services by signing a petition at olderandbolder.ie.dedi2560.your-server.de and by lobbying their local politicians over the coming weeks.