Holding TDs accountable on Home Care cuts [06/11/12]

Older & Bolder’s campaign for the reversal of cuts to Home Care services is being stepped up today with the launch of an online tool directly linking TDs and their constituents. Recently, Government TDs voted down a motion to reverse cuts to Home Help and Home Care Packages. Visitors to the campaign website will be able find out how the TDs that represent them and their constituency have actually voted on this vital issue.

Ms. Patricia Conboy, Director of Older & Bolder said: “We have consistently asked older people and our supporters to call on their TDs to reverse the cuts to Home Care services.  Now, at the click of a computer button, people will be able to find out if their voices have been heard by their public representatives and how TDs actually voted on the issue in the Dáil.  Those who do not use computers can phone their local constituency office or contact Older & Bolder (01 878 3623) to find out how their local representatives voted. The results of votes on Dáil motions are a matter of public record but the details are often not widely publicised.  We want older people to actively participate in the democratic political process and to go beyond once-off lobbies of their TDs.”

Ms. Conboy continued: “Many older people are receiving standard response letters from Government TDs effectively suggesting that the home care cuts can be implemented without inflicting distress on citizens.  The reality is that the loss of 1 million hours of home help service from the system in 2012 will hurt people suffering illness, frailty and disability and their families.”  She added: “Older people understand these realities and Older & Bolder is now encouraging them to give feedback to their TDs, to thank politicians who have voted to reverse the cuts to Home Care services and to continue their dialogue with politicians who have voted to retain the cuts.”

To find out more about Older & Bolder’s online campaign tool visit: http://olderandbolder.ie/voting-record