Micheál Martin signed off on savage cuts to pensioners’ benefits – Doherty

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, said today (Wednesday) that Micheál Martin sat at cabinet table and agreed to savage cuts to pensioners benefits.

“Micheál Martin sat at the Cabinet table and signed off on the savage cuts to pensioners’ benefits. His and Fianna Fáil’s record is one of false promises and devastating cuts.

“Fianna Fáil has no jobs plan to keep the recovery going and generate the resources to help the elderly.  Their promises now are as worthless now as in 2007 when Bertie Ahern promised to increase the State Pension by 43%. That promise was abandoned after Fianna Fáil wrecked the economy.

“Fianna Fáil’s record is abolishing the Christmas Bonus and slashing payments for the most vulnerable.

“Micheál Martin signed off on cuts to the Carer’s Allowance –twice, the Disability Allowance – twice, the Blind Pension – twice, the Invalidity Pension –twice.  

“Fine Gael will support older people. We plan to ensure that older years are better years. Our package of measures for older people is worth €870 million, and is the second largest commitment in our Long Term Economic Plan after the abolition of USC.

“Fine Gael wants Ireland to be one of the best countries in the world in which to grow old. We can achieve this if we keep the recovery going and create the resources to support better public services.”