Madam, - News that inflation has risen to 5 per cent is of concern to everyone. But those on fixed, low incomes are hit hardest by the rising cost of living.
More than one in three pensioners in this country (37 per cent) receive the State pension (non-contributory) of just €200 a week - €3.55 below the official poverty line. Others do a little better on the state pension (contributory) of €209.30. For such people, rising inflation and a fixed income mean tough decisions - maybe cutting back on food or not turning on the central heating.
Heeding the call by the trade union movement to reduce VAT would benefit older people. However, at the heart of the problem is the fact that the current State pension system does not recognise the contribution which older people have made to the current economic growth.
Age Action is urging the next government to index-link the State pension to the average industrial wage, so that as wages rise, pensions rise. We believe this would be a serious move towards eliminating poverty among older people.
The next government must also address the needs of older people in a more comprehensive way. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the PDs, the Greens and Sinn Féin have all promised in their manifestos to draw up a national strategy for older people. This must be a priority, with 11 per cent of the population over 65 and that percentage expected to rise steadily in the coming years.
In short, we need political leadership on these issues. Age Action has campaigned for a Minister for older people - not a junior minister at the Department of Health and Children, but one with cross-departmental powers.
Older people's issues are not confined to health, but extend to social welfare, housing, energy, transport and beyond. - Yours, etc,
EAMON TIMMINS, Head of Advocacy and Communications, Age Action, Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.