NAILING THE MYTH THAT OLDER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN IMMUNE FROM CUTS [15/09/2012]

The myth that older people have been immune from cuts and have escaped the burden of rising costs during the economic crisis must be nailed for once and for all. 

Director of Older & Bolder Patricia Conboy said, “It is simply not true to suggest that older people have been untouched by cuts since the economic crisis began.  Minister Brian Hayes is reported as saying that the Irish political system will never countenance cutbacks on older people. These remarks are made in the aftermath of a decision to apply a cut of €12.5 million to Home Care services targeted at the most frail and vulnerable older people in our society.   This cut has not been reversed by the Government.”

Ms. Conboy continued, “Older people have been affected by : the loss of the Christmas bonus, implementation of Universal Social Charge, prescription charges, electricity levy, introduction of household charge, reduction in the Fuel Allowance from 32 to 26 weeks, increased tax on home heating fuel, reduction in medical card cover for dentistry, increases in VAT and DIRT (tax on savings), cuts in frontline health and social care services, rising costs of medical insurance;  and they will be affected by planned water and carbon tax charges.  We must not soften up older people for cuts in the forthcoming budget on the basis of mis-perceptions.”

She added, “Older people are a diverse group.  Nonetheless, the fact is that he State Pension protects 91 % of older people against risk of poverty. The taxation system is the mechanism through which better-off older people should and do make their contribution to the Exchequer.”