TOUGHER sentences for criminals who assault old people were promised yesterday by the Progressive Democrats in a policy paper, "Civil Rights for Senior Citizens".
A change in sentencing policy is among a variety of measures which the party says amounts to a "new deal for the elderly."
"Under our present system criminals feel that savage attacks on elderly people are worth the risk", it says. "If they are caught, they will be sentenced to a few years in prison, but they know that, with temporary release, they can be out inside a few months. This is not good enough."
The party also wants an officer in each Garda station to be designated to monitor the security of older people.
Other measures in the policy document include:
. Increasing the contributory oldage pension to £100 and the noncontributory pension to £90 over five years.
. Higher tax reliefs for people over 65.
. A reform of the Capital Acquisitions Tax system so that pensioners inheriting their home from a relative such as a brother or sister will have a greatly reduced tax liability.
. Higher subventions for nursing home care.
. More sheltered housing.
. The use of community employment scheme workers to boost the home help service.
. Real annual increases in the carer's allowance.
"Modern Irish society owes a big debt to the generation that is now over 65", Ms Mary Harney, the party leader, said in introducing the document.