Age Action today unveiled a billboard campaign calling for increases in the fuel allowance.
According to the advocacy organisation, up to 2,000 older people could die this winter in Ireland as they cannot afford to heat their homes.
With rising fuel and food prices over months, Age Action said many older people may be forced to make the choice between food and fuel this winter.
The organisation is calling on the public to sign the petition at www.ageaction.ie and demand a change in the fuel allowance.
“There are between 1,500 and 2,000 additional deaths each winter, compared to the summer, many of whom are older people who die because they cannot afford to keep themselves warm,” Age Action chief executive Robin Webster.
Mr Webster said the charity was conscious that the hard-hitting poster campaign, which depicts a pair of frost-bitten feet, may upset some people.
“It may be upsetting, but it is even more upsetting that up to 2,000 older people die each year without dignity, and that their deaths are totally avoidable,” he said. “We hope this billboard will make the public aware of the situation and secure their support in demanding action to end the suffering.”
“Ireland has one of the highest levels of excess winter deaths in Europe,” he added. “The 21 per cent increase in winter deaths experienced here, compares to 10 per cent in Finland and 14 per cent in Austria – countries which experience much colder winters. Questions need to be asked as to why we are allowing this situation to continue.”
Age Action is calling for an increase in the Fuel Allowance by €12 to €30 and the introduction of the increased allowance from October, rather than in January 2009.
It also wants an Increase the Living Alone Allowance by €7.70 to bring it to €15.40 and a front-loading of the Government’s commitment to bring the State Pension to €300 by 2012 to provide some protection to all pensioners from rising food and fuel costs.
The outdoor campaign that kicks off today has been donated to Age Action by Ocean Advertising, and JCDecaux has provided the advertising space free of charge.
