Landline lifeline cut

Sir, – Taking away the telephone rent allowance for the elderly in the recent Budget is “the unkindest cut of all”, and shows a lack of compassion and shabby treatment of medical card holders, for many of whom the telephone is a lifeline to health, safety and security.

Many elderly people do not have a mobile phone, and even for those who have, failing eyesight, advancing age and feebleness render its use difficult, if not impossible.

Moreover, a social alarm unit is plugged into both electric, and telephone sockets, hence a landline phone is one absolute necessity. – Yours, etc,

VERA HUGHES,

Moate, Co Westmeath.