Cllr. Paul Kelly said that he would continue to press the Government for increased resources for older people and widows. “Over the last few years, the Government has provided considerable resources for the elderly. In 2001 ¤73 million was given for services for the elderly, which will result in 1300 extra staff being approved for services for older people between 1997 and 2001” he stated.
“As part of the 2002 budget, more than ¤2 million has been allocated to enhance the scope of the home help service, and almost ¤3 million is being given to the improvement of community support structures which are geared towards the support of older people. The budget also gave ¤12.70 per week extra to qualified adults aged 66 and over” continued Paul.
“However, older people in our society sacrificed a lot in their own lives when our economy was not as strong as it is now, so it’s only fair that we ensure the that they are properly provided for into the future” said Paul.
Paul also referred to the plight of widowed people. “ Many people who have lost their spouse find things very tough, especially when the spouse was the main breadwinner in the family. For example, a widow struggling with teenage children, or children in college, can find it almost impossible to make ends meet. We must take care to ensure that they don’t get left behind. If I am elected, I will continue to seek improvements in the entitlements of older and widowed people. Issues such as qualification for medical cards, and waivers of refuse charges also need to be addressed and I will continue to raise them with our ministers” he concluded.
