Nollaig shona / Happy Christmas

BUDGET 2012 CHANGES TO CONTRIBUTORY PENSION

 MEDIA STATEMENT

 

The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament welcomes the fact that in Budget 2012 Pensions in payment were maintained at their current rate. However the Parliament is concerned that many members  who are due to receive their pension from September 2012 will be affected by these proposed changes to the contributory rates listed below.

We urge the Minister to consider a more gradual approach to these changes. We also urge all those people who have been in touch with us to make their views and individual concerns/ situations known to the Minister and their elected representatives.

BUDGET 2012 PROPOSED CHANGES State Contributory Pension

Average PRSI Contributions per Year	Previous Payment	Proposed Payment	Difference
48 or more 40-47 ** 30-39** 20-29** 15-19 10-14	230.30225.80 225.80 225.80 172.70 115.20	230.30225.80 207 196 150 92	Nil Nil 18.80 29.80 22.70 23.20

**Previously this referred to 20-47 contributions

Qualified Adult: at this time we do not have figures

These changes require legislation and are not yet in affect.

 ENDS

 

For further information please contact

Mairead Hayes 086 349 8848

Eligibility may affect you

MEDIA RELEASE

Changes to PENSIONS ELIGIBILITY  
 

Effective September 2012 changes to Average PRSI contribution requirements for a State Pensions will result in a new 6 tier payment structure.

Based on today’s rates this will mean lower payments for those who retire from 1^st September 2012. The changes as now set out will range from €4.20-€22.70 per week. Taken on their own these cuts will create hardship for many older people especially for those who have broken PRSI records. Many women fall into this category and unless the change is accompanied by a determined effort to look at their unique positions they will badly affected.

Máiréad Hayes, CEO of the ISCP, called on Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. to examine these proposals which were unveiled for the first time today and to engage in consultation with Older People and their organisations on the matter.

ENDS

for further information contact:                                           

Mairead Hayes                                                                        Tel:   (01) 8561243

Chief Executive Officer                                                         086 349 8848

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament                                5^th December  2011

Dignity & Respect for all

MEDIA RELEASE

Respect & Dignity
 

Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his address to the nation wants an Ireland where we can all grow old with Respect & Dignity.

If the reports in today’s media are to be believed that will not happen for the many  facing the prospect of a loss of 6 weeks Fuel Allowance in BUDGET 2012?  What are the prospects of respect and dignified living for families and older people in such circumstances?

 Máiread Hayes, CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament urges the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D. to reconsider any proposal which will result in cutting by 6 weeks the Fuel Allowance of €20 per week to  all those who qualify for it.

This payment is means tested and any cuts to it will result in serious problems for all who receive it across the life cycle. In particular it will mean that Older People will go to bed earlier or indeed stay in bed longer in their efforts to keep warm.

“Think again Minister and do not put vulnerable families and older people through  any more distress than they are already feeling in the present sub zero temperatures.”

ENDS

for further information contact:                                           

Mairead Hayes                                                                        Tel:   (01) 8561243

Chief Executive Officer                                                      086 349 8848

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament                                 5^th December  2011