Sir, – Sr Stanislaus Kennedy’s article (Opinion, November 22nd) makes timely reading for the Minister of Finance and all those in Government involved in the presentation of the forthcoming budget. Would it be too much to hope they might heed her very profound words this time and not inflict cuts on those who can least bear them?
As she rightly points out, €3 billion upwards can be brought to the national coffers by using measures to bring the top 10 per cent of our society into line with those across Europe. There are still people who have insulated themselves against the “hard times” consecutive budgets have inflicted on the majority of the population. It’s their turn now. There are alternatives to austerity! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – John McManus (Business, November 26th) writes “there is no particular logic for setting the bar at €100,000”, earnings above which may attract a higher USC following the budget. Equally there is no logic for setting the threshold for pensioners at €36,400 for a single person and €72,800 gross income per annum for a couple above which over-70s are denied a medical card and may lose a whole raft of benefits in the next budget.
McManus says, “Depending on which side of the €100,000 line you find yourself on, this threshold is either fair or manifestly unjust”. Indeed! I am sure that the single person on a pension of just €700 gross per week (just over €400 net after all government deductions) finds it grossly unfair to be so targeted.
According to Fiona Reddan’s article (Business, November 20th) 95 per cent are entitled to the free medical card, indicating only 5 per cent of those over 70 have income of more than €36,400 per annum – €72,800 for a couple. This shatters once and for all the myth that the elderly are rich.
Ten per cent of the Irish workforce earn more than €100,000 per annum, according to Revenue figures for 2012. Until now they have been left unscathed, while the over-70s, who paid tax during their working life at almost double today’s PAYE rates, have already been targeted.
What would be fair (but will not happen) is that gross income, including tax-free expenses and allowances, which exceeds €100,000 per annum would be subject to higher USC. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – With regard to the debate over possible measures in the budget: in our view, continuing with policies of austerity is counterproductive.
The current direction of government will deepen the economic and social crisis, societal break-up and economic paralysis. Reducing government investment, public spending and the incomes of the lower paid sections of society is deflationary, compounds the collapse in domestic demand and makes it harder to meet deficit targets. The policy framework must be altered.
Government has other choices it could make in the budget. Community and voluntary groups and services, trade unions, civil society and social justice organisations have already identified clear and credible alternatives in pre-budget submissions. These alternatives still meet the deficit targets. They are based on a “Plan B” framework of: raising revenue from wealth and higher incomes; maintaining spending on essential public and community services and welfare; and a jobs stimulus investment programme to create much-needed employment. A significant State investment stimulus would reduce the deficit by providing additional tax revenue and reducing welfare spending through employment creation.
The alternative social investment approach in “Plan B” will be more equal in effect and impact, will save social costs and create a more sustainable future. Last year’s budget hit the lowest sections of our society the hardest. This coming budget must do the opposite. We can get Ireland out of this crisis, without sacrificing our social infrastructure, our youth to emigration and more families into poverty. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Earlier this year, I wrote to your Letters page regarding the “termination” of my carer’s allowance. Thankfully this was reinstated following a review process. This week I received notice of a medical card review, followed by a five-line letter terminating my son’s companion travel pass. Both these issues had been reviewed earlier this year, leaving me with a much needed sense of security.
The economic saving to the State by full-time carers is well documented. A companion pass facilitates a social outing programme to assist my son in public, since he has no sense of danger. A medical card results in attendance at the local GP instead of the trauma of emergency care. Why is the disability sector being targeted? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Not so much “kite flying” this time regarding the upcoming budget, but no doubt the wind will be taken out of all our sails/sales? – Yours, etc,