A chara, – I recognise I am very fortunate in that I have a house, a car and a reasonably secure job (within the construction sector). I can pay all my bills every month so perhaps I am indeed very fortunate. I concur with the Irish League of Credit Unions survey results (Front page, April 16th) regarding the balance of disposable income available at the end of the month and find myself within the 47 per cent quoted (who have less that €100 a month to spend after bills are paid).
We do not have an extravagant lifestyle; we don’t eat out, frequent our “local” or holiday abroad. Although both well qualified and employed as professionals, my wife and I are what I would term the “working class”. In recent years we have seen our finances take a hit through tax increases, PRSI, Universal Social Charge, Government levies, Household Charge and the scandalous dip into our pension savings by this Government.
Last week I had one of those unforeseen events which has now crippled our finances; I now have to pay for a medical treatment over the next few months, using up the balance from my income after paying bills. My tax, PRSI and USC contributions mean nothing and I have to pay for this medical treatment myself. God help anyone with younger children who might get ill or anyone with a long-term illness.
I am convinced now, more than ever, that our Government has no clue as to what ordinary working people are going through and how we truly have been reduced to a people who simply live to work and pay bills. – Is mise,