DÁIL ÉIREANN

Sitting Time - 15:30
Sitting Date - 27/09/2011

^ Leaders Questions ^
Propose Household Benefits Package & Pension Cuts

Deputy Finian McGrath:
I would like to raise with the Taoiseach today the issue of protection of our senior citizens before the harsh winter sets in.  I ask that he reverse the fuel cuts for vulnerable older people.  The Taoiseach knows that these people have served the State well for many years, in particular in the 1980s when they took a major hit in terms of taxes.  We heard earlier on in this House that €500,000 is to be paid to senior bankers at a time when we are taking €3 or €4 in terms of fuel allowances from our senior citizens.

Does the Taoiseach agree with Age Action Ireland that it is unacceptable to target these people and that to do so is highly dangerous?  Does he share my concerns that many older people could over the next few months die from cold-related illnesses such as pneumonia?  Why did the Taoiseach and Government cut the free electricity and gas units allowance under the household benefits package by 25% and 20% respectively?  Is the Taoiseach aware of the huge gas and electricity price increases in recent weeks and that many of our senior citizens are scared?  Does he know that recently electricity prices increased by 12% and gas increased by 20%?

I ask that the Taoiseach reverse these cuts as a matter of priority.

The Taoiseach:
I recall Deputy McGrath was a strong supporter of the previous Government for a number of years.

Deputy Derek Nolan:
That is correct.

The Taoiseach:
The Minister for Social Protection has had to implement unspecified cuts decided upon by the previous Government.  I share the Deputy's concern for all our elderly people.  While I am not sure of the weather forecast for next December-January, obviously if this winter is as cold as was last winter people will suffer.  The position is that the Minister for Social Protection found, upon taking up that portfolio, a whole series of decisions made but nothing to back them up.  Obviously, the comprehensive spending review and analysis of it will have to ensure some measure of priority for the protection of our elderly citizens.  The Minister for Social Protection will, in so far as is possible, see that that happens.

Deputy Michael McGrath:
The Government will have to avoid rate cuts.

Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin:
Cuts introduced by Fianna Fáil.

Deputy Finian McGrath:
I referred earlier to the people earning €500,000 per annum at a time when we are taking €2 or €3 from senior citizens.  Has the Taoiseach been visited at his clinic and office by senior citizens expressing concern about these cuts?  I have.

Is the Taoiseach aware that cuts to the telephone, electricity, gas and smokeless fuel allowances will cost the average pensioner €265.20 per annum?  That is a lot of money to many senior citizens.  I ask that the Taoiseach seek in preparation of the budget to maintain social welfare payments to older people at current levels. This could be a matter of life and death for many older people.  Approximately 2,000 senior citizens are directly affected by these cuts.  This figure was provided by the voluntary sector who deal with senior citizens on the front line.  I ask that the Government continue to assist these 2,000 senior citizens who will be at risk.

Will the Taoiseach stand up for older people and reverse these cuts now?

The Taoiseach:
No, I cannot reverse these cuts now.  Not alone have I been visited by a number of people, I have visited people whose situations are quite serious.  In regard to the drafting of the budget, the Deputy is aware of the overall figures and will have an opportunity during the course of the debate on the budget to put his points. The Ministers for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Social Protection, Health and others will, in consideration of the Estimates, take into account the difficulties and plight of many of our elderly citizens, as is being brought to their attention on a regular basis.

The situation is that decisions of the previous Government in respect of unspecified cuts have had to be dealt with.  Preparation of budget 2012 will take into account in the best way possible and within the constraints available to us, the protection and respect of our elderly citizens, in particular those living alone or in difficult circumstances which arise for a variety reasons.