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Budget 2016 – Age Action reaction

Published 13/10/2015

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Age Action has reacted to today’s budget announcement, welcoming the first increase in the State Pension in seven years and increases in other income supports. But the organisation also highlighted the lack of progress on home supports and the failure to cut prescription charges.

Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications, said: “Since 2009 an older person on the State Pension and Household Benefits Package has seen their weekly income cut by more than €13 a week. Almost a hundred thousand older people are living in deprivation.

“All of that cannot be fixed at once and what we have seen in Budget 2016 is a substantial step in the right direction.

“The first State Pension increase in seven years, welcome increases in the Christmas Bonus and the Fuel Allowance, will make a real difference to older people across the country.

More needs to be done

“But more needs to be done. Older people are still facing real hardship. We’re disappointed not to have heard anything so far about restoring the Telephone Allowance and particularly disappointed to have heard nothing yet on prescription charges. 

“These have risen 500 per cent since they were introduced and hit older people, who might have multiple prescriptions, particularly hard. It’s simply a tax on sick people.

“But overall, today we are moving in the right direction with some welcome announcements. It’s important that the next government keeps up the momentum.”

Fair Deal

Referring to the Government’s announcement on increased funding for the Fair Deal Scheme to keep waiting lists to four weeks, Mr Moran added: “Waiting lists for Fair Deal hit 15 weeks last October.

“Funding to keep waiting times to four weeks is undoubtedly welcome, but we would also need increased investment in home care and home helps.

“Given the choice, older people prefer to stay at home in their community, with their family, rather than go into a nursing home. The home supports that would enable thousands of them to do so are not there and the Government must prioritise this area.”

For more information contact Justin Moran on 087 968 2449

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Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.