Labour MEP says 'hands off old age pension'

Posted by Bronwen Maher on October 27, 2009 at 01:30 PM

MEP for Ireland East Nessa Childers has issued a ‘hands off’ warning to the government over concerns that the Old Age Pension may be cut in December’s Budget. She was speaking on the publication of an Older & Bolder report

She said: “Concerns expressed by older people in relation to cuts to vital services and supports like medical cards and the Christmas bonus which have been reflected in today’s Older & Bolder report have only been compounded by recent statements by the Minister for Older People, Aine Brady TD that the Old Age Pension may now be next in firing line as the government seeks to slash the social welfare bill in the December Budget.

“My message to the government is clear and unambiguous – hands off the Old Age Pension. Following last year’s medical cards debacle and the mean-spirited decision to withdraw the Community Support Scheme, only to see the scheme re-introduced for a cynically short six week period, older people are quite legitimately concerned that slashing the state Old Age Pension is next on the agenda.

“Statements by the Minister in recent weeks suggest that the ground is being prepared for an assault on the state pension. The provision of a decent state pension system is a fundamental principal of national solidarity and I am calling on older people and families across the country to be vigilant and to ensure that the government knows that Irish society will not accept any cuts in this critical state support.”

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