(2 April) Age Action is a member of the Community and Voluntary Pillar; 14 organisations working to achieve a more equal society.
The Community and Voluntary Pillar submitted a letter to the Editor of the Irish Times which is published today 2 April. You can read an excerpt below and click the link to the full article.
Sir, – The implications of the Covid-19 public health emergency are already far-reaching and impact all corners of our society. As well as the tragic loss of life, it also affects the livelihoods and living standards of thousands of people. For organisations working with those most at risk and on the margins, the crisis has laid bare the depth of existing inequalities and weaknesses in the current system of supports.
The Government has rightly committed to short-term measures that will offer security to individuals and families in this time of instability. The decision to introduce a wage subsidy, an enhanced unemployment payment, a temporary prohibition on evictions, a rent freeze, a temporary end to our two-tier health system and supports for our childcare providers are welcome, and the rapid response by Government departments is to be commended. However, more is urgently required, particularly for the most vulnerable, such as isolated older people.
