Elderly urged to oppose cutbacks

OLDER PEOPLE must stand up against Government cuts, Age Action Ireland has said.

OLDER PEOPLE must stand up against Government cuts, Age Action Ireland has said.

Speaking at the charity’s agm, chief executive Robin Webster said it was continuously receiving reports of cuts in basic services such as home care and housing aids.

He said many of the people at greatest risk were living in rural areas, facing increased isolation with the proposed reductions in rural transport schemes.

He told more than 200 members and representatives at Croke Park that older people must rediscover the energy and commitment shown when they demonstrated against the removal of the over-70s medical cards.

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Mr Webster said the Government had already scrapped the Christmas bonus for pensioners.

“Life could get much worse with reductions in social welfare rates, the implementation of the Fair Deal for people in nursing homes and the lack of protection for people who have lost their pensions and life savings,” he added.

Fiona Gartland

Fiona Gartland

Fiona Gartland is a crime writer and former Irish Times journalist