Sir, – In his column in favour of income tax cuts for perceived middle-income earners (“Tax cut row was just what Fine Gael needed. Now it has to deliver”, Opinion & Analysis, June 2nd), Stephen Collins asserts that “despite the severe belt-tightening, social welfare rates were maintained at their existing levels” following the financial crisis. Not so. Among the austerity measures that disproportionately affected the worst off in society were a range of cuts to jobseekers’ allowance for those under 26 years of age.
In some cases, the rate for those aged 20 to 21 was reduced from €204.30 to €100 per week, and to €144 per week for those between 22 and 24 years of age. It should also be noted social welfare rates in recent years have failed to match inflation, leading to a decrease in real terms. – Yours, etc,
GARY BARRETT,
Loughglynn,
Tiny bowls are the secret to happiness. There’s little in life they don’t improve
I need to book a restaurant for Christmas dinner with friends. Am I too late?
The top 25 women’s sporting moments of the year: 25-16 revealed with Vikki Wall, Lara Gillespie and Ireland Sevens featuring
John FitzGerald: The power market should reflect that renewable energy is cheaper
Co Roscommon.