It is somewhat ironic that on this the day after the Irish Government has presented its Budget, we are commenting on poverty.The economic downturn has been felt all around the world, and no more or less than usual, the weak and impoverished are the ones who will suffer yet again.
The Budget presented to the Irish people is nothing short of a scandal and really brings it home how irresponsible those in authority can be with the money of others - namely the taxpayers.
Budget 2009 - A Synopsis
* miserly increase of €7 in the pension paid to our elderly to €230.30 (contributory) and €219.00 (non-contributory);
* a €2 rise to €20 per week to cover the energy costs which have gone up 20% since October and will go up another 20% in January (despite energy costs going down!!);
* €204.30 per week to those on Social Welfare (not in effect until January 2009);
* Child Benefit for 18year olds will be abolished by 2010;
* Elderly over 70 free medical and GP visit cards will now be means tested despite Government promising they would be free;
* Admission Fee to Hospital now up from €65 to €100, before even being examined!!;
* Standard Rate of Tax up by 1/2%;
* Airport Tax (per person) €10;
* New Local Authority Charge (Annual Charge) €200.
In this Budget, every person on a low income has been hit and the elderly more so than ever before. Many may think this is not poverty, but I invite them to take a trip to their elderly and see how they are struggling so far!!
I think it is a morally reprehensible Budget which has made the already vulnerable in society even more reason than before to worry with the onset of winter and the harsh weather it brings.
How true the saying that one can measure of a nation and its people by how it treats its elderly.
In Ireland of 2008, it involves impoverishing them!!
Sotto Voce
(Full Irish Budget Speech containing all measures can be accessed by clicking Irish Budget 2009)