Jul 5, 2013:

Cuts to State Supports Would 'Undermine Strategy' - Active Retirement Ireland

Cuts to State Supports Would "Undermine Strategy" - Active Retirement Ireland

The country's largest community-based older people's organisation, Active Retirement Ireland (ARI), today (5/7/2013) called on Minister Joan Burton to honour the Government's commitments in the National Positive Ageing Strategy and Healthy Ireland framework and to rule out any cuts to the State Pension and Free Travel Scheme.  Speaking at the Department of Social Protection's Pre-Budget Forum at Dublin Castle, ARI CEO Maureen Kavanagh said that to make cuts to these valuable supports for older people would "fly in the face of the government's good work to date".

"The National Positive Ageing Strategy and the Healthy Ireland framework both underline the importance older people have to play in Irish society as active citizens," said Ms. Kavanagh, "Both documents also say how they should be supported to remain at home and active in the community for as long as possible.

"Active Retirement Ireland is calling on the Minister to commit to protecting the supports older people rely on to remain healthy and active citizens and to contribute to their communities."

The State Pension has remained unchanged at 2008 levels, while the Free Travel Scheme is already being eroded for many rural older people, with some operators refusing to accept Travel Passes on many routes.  The Free Travel Scheme, which costs over €77m per year, has been described as "a lifesaver" by ARI.

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