Commenting on figures released this week from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which show a 6% fall in the average weekly incomes of elderly people – or €25.63 between 2009 and 2010, Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe said it was unacceptable and expressed concern at the prospect of a further cut following the next proposed budget.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“These figures show a significant drop in the income of elderly people with the average weekly income falling by 6% between 2009 and 2010 and those aged over 65 experiencing a drop in income.

Clearly, many older people are struggling to make ends meet in these very difficult times.

“The Survey on Income and Living Conditions also reported the proportion of income of pensioners reliant on   Welfare payments alsoincreased by almost 7 per cent from 56.8 per cent in 2004 to 63.4 per cent in 2010.

“Those at risk of poverty was at a staggering 9.6 per cent..

“Pensioners  and their representative groups are very worried particularly as they face the added prospect of having to pay for the household charges and water charges on this reduced  income.

“In March the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supposedly told the Irish Government to scrap some free benefits for pensioners to save money.

“Considering how the Government parties  have implemented their increasingly punitive austerity agenda, it is likely that the coming budget  will look again at traditional entitlements of pensioners such as their right to free travel, medical cards, cheaper electricity, gas and television licenses.

“Sinn Féin with others will oppose such measures and the rights’and entitlements of our elderly citizens, who have made huge sacrifices that have greatly benefited this State. Citizens who helped pave the way for the boom years of the so called Celtic Tiger must be protected in the forthcoming budget and in light of these latest statistics need their reduced incomes protected”