A Clare-based former Active Retirement Ireland president has labelled the pension increase in the Budget as “a plaster on a bleeding wound” for older people.
Budget 2024 sees the weekly allowance of all those in receipt of welfare payments, including those on a pension, rise by €12.
Included in the government’s €14 billion spending package announced yesterday afternoon are a number of measures to ease the effects of inflation on many groups across society.
Carers will receive a one-off €400 payment under the Carers’ Support Grant, while the home carer and single person child carer tax credit has been increased by €100.
Crucially, there has been an across-the-board boost of €12 for all those on welfare payments which includes carers availing of the Carers Allowance and brings the monthly payment up to €248.
Inclusion Ireland, who had lobbied for the rate to be brought up to €291.50 to match the poverty threshold, has described the increase as “a disturbing blow to human rights”.
Shannon resident Marion Costello, which is a full-time carer to her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, says the allowance carers receive is nowhere close to reflecting the work that they do.
The supports available for older people have also come under fire and many have highlighted the vulnerability facing the older population due to increased fuel costs owing to the carbon tax hike among other factors.
In addition to the €12 pension increase in the Budget, older people in receipt of a pension who are living alone can avail of the €200 supplementary welfare payment known as the Living Alone Allowance.
Clare Active Retirement member Kay Murphy believes the various pressures on older people mean the €12 pension increase will do little to provide comfort or reassurance.
You can listen to the full interview below.
