Sir, - Mr Dermot Ahern was to be heard on RT╔'s Morning Ireland last Thursday expressing concern at the low uptake of the recently announced extension of medical freebies to all over-70s.
While the intention behind this scheme is laudable, the same cannot be said for the correspondence which issued to any over-70 who applied. Even though these benefits have been granted irrespective of an individual's circumstances, official correspondence bristled with such phraseology as:
"You must notify the Board immediately of any increase in your income, . ."
"In order to qualify...you must be getting a qualifying payment or satisfy a means test."
"You should advise this Office if: (i) another person comes to live with you, (ii) you no longer satisfy any of the long list of conditions set out overleaf."
It stands to reason that people who have attained three-score-and-ten under their own steam would be loath to leave themselves open to official tinpot tyranny in order to avail of Mr Ahern's generosity, much preferring peace of mind. - Yours, etc.,
Anne Cahill, Laurel Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.