Dublin: Government's Austerity Cuts A "Disturbing Disregard" For Older People's Well-being: AGE ACTION

The Government’s apparent disregard for the hardship caused to older people by austerity measures is "disturbing", Age Action said yesterday.

The older peoples’ charity described last year as the busiest in its 21-year history, with support given to thousands of older people.

“As we marked our ‘coming of age’ anniversary, it was clear there has never been a greater need for the work being done by our staff, volunteers and members across Ireland,” said Age Action chief executive Robin Webster.

“It was a very difficult year, especially for the majority of older people who are dependent on the State pension and other statutory benefits.”

Mr Webster described the Government’s apparent disregard for the extra difficulties facing the poorest and sickest of all ages when making reductions in public expenditure as “disturbing”.

Tomorrow, Age Action will launch a campaign against any plans by the Government to cut back on free travel.

The Government is reviewing the free travel scheme for older people and people with disabilities.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said the review would be finalised shortly.

The review will be presented to Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar for their consideration. The charity said the scheme was playing a major role in helping older people to remain independent and want it to remain unchanged. The scheme entitles people over the age of 66 to use public transport free of charge.

With cuts already made in telephone and fuel allowance, funeral grants, and medical cards, there are fears that the travel scheme is next on the Government’s hit list.

The €77m free travel scheme provides free passes to more than 700,000 people to use Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas, and many private transport services.

Age Action’s annual report for 2013 shows that almost 300,000 people used its services, read their publications, visited their website or charity shops, or helped with fundraising.

More than 22,000 older people used Age Action’s Care and Repair home visitation and DIY service.
www.ageaction.ie & www.alone.ie 

Almost 4,000 older people were taught to use a computer and more than 2,000 used the charity’s information service.

Mr Webster said they needed to focus on public fundraising so that they could continue with and expand their work with older people. Like a lot of charities, it has suffered in the wake of Rehab and Central Remedial Clinic controversies. Age Action welcomed the establishment of the Charities Regulatory Authority

Mr Webster said the charity intended achieving the highest standards of best practice in corporate governance so that everyone involved in the charity would know that it was spending money wisely and well.

Travel Pass

Support Age Action’s Hands Off Our Travel Passes Campaign


The travel passes which older people are entitled to in the Republic of Ireland are a highly valued and important support.  They enable older people to live with dignity and independence.  We vigorously oppose plans to negatively alter the scheme.
The Government is currently reviewing the travel pass scheme and a decision is expected in the near future.  It is considering one of three changes:
·         To introduce an annual charge for the travel pass;
·         To limit the times at which it can be used;
·         To restrict the forms of transport on which it can be used.
We have surveyed 500 of our members across Ireland who have told us how important their travel passes are for carrying out everyday tasks such as getting their shopping, collecting their pensions, attending medical appointments, visiting family and friends, social activities.
Significantly, without their travel passes they said they would not be able to attend medical/health appointments (57%), shop (55%), carry out personal journeys (eg to the bank or post office, 43%) or visit family or friends (61%).
For further survey findings and to read a more detail briefing document about the travel pass scheme click here.
How you can help
This campaign aims to rally political support to protect  the travel pass scheme.  We need your help to get the support of our 166 TDs.  We are asking every TD, Senator and councillor to confirm their support to protect the travel pass scheme from any negative changes.  They can confirm their support in two ways:
·         Email handsoff@ageaction.ie , stating their name and constituency;
·         Download the “I Support” poster here,  print it out,  take a photograph of themselves with it and email that photo to handsoff@ageaction.ie  We will post it on our Facebook page.
Each week we will provide an updated list of who is supporting the campaign.  IF YOUR TD, SENATOR OR COUNCILLOR IS NOT ON THAT LIST, ASK THEM WHY!
  
You can also spread the word about the campaign by downloading, printing and distributing the campaign poster here.  You can also follow and support this campaign on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
We need YOUR support to protect the travel pass for older people. Thanks!
For further queries please email handsoff@ageaction.ie