Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD has said that Ireland is “failing its older
citizens” - particularly those living alone or on fixed incomes - and that the latest
Budget once again ignores their real-life struggles.
Speaking ahead of her visit today to ALONE, the organisation which supports older
people to age with dignity and independence, Catherine Connolly said:
“Every day, I meet older people who are doing their best to survive on small
pensions while their bills, rent and basic costs continue to rise. Many are turning
down the heating to save a few euros, or skipping social occasions because they
simply can’t afford them.
“We are talking about people who have worked hard all their lives, raised families,
contributed to their communities - and who now feel forgotten.”
Connolly criticised the Government’s Budget for offering what she described as
“token measures dressed up as progress” that fail to meet the scale of the crisis:
“The Government has announced a €10 increase in the State Pension - well below
what older people’s groups had called for - while cancelling the energy credits that
helped households through the winter.
“There are no new once-off cost-of-living supports, no real expansion of the Fuel
Allowance or Living Alone Allowance, and no measures to tackle soaring electricity
and grocery prices that are hitting older people hardest.
“A modest rise in the Carer’s Allowance thresholds is welcome, but it does not
address the widespread financial pressure on carers and older households. This
Budget is full of self-congratulation but empty of empathy.”
Connolly said that the Government “has again missed the chance to match
resources to reality”:
“The truth is, a €10 increase will be wiped out by rising energy bills, rent, and health
costs before it even reaches people’s pockets.
“When older people are afraid to switch on the heat or cannot find an affordable
home to downsize to, something is badly wrong.
“The State Pension must be increased in line with inflation, and targeted supports
must be widened and made permanent.”
Connolly praised the work of ALONE and other voluntary groups providing essential
support:
“Organisations like ALONE are doing extraordinary work – providing companionship,
home visits, and practical help where the State has fallen short. Their work embodies
the Irish tradition of meitheal - community solidarity - but they cannot be expected to
carry the burden alone. The State must step up.”
Connolly said that as President she would use the moral authority of the office to
keep older citizens at the heart of public debate:
“Older people built this country. They deserve more than soundbites and token
payments. As President, I would shine a light on their lived experiences, which often
features loneliness, housing insecurity, unfair healthcare barriers - and insist that
respect for older people is not an afterthought but a measure of the kind of Republic
we should aspire to be.”
ENDS
Contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie