FF calls special meeting of Limerick Co Co on Budget cuts

Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Collins has called a special meeting of Limerick County Council next week to call on the Government to reverse a range of ‘mean-spirited and highly damaging’ cuts in Budget 2014.

The Motion will highlight the hardship that will result from the Government’s decision to axe a further 100,000 medical cards next year, to increase prescription charges, to scrap the Bereavement Grant and the Telephone Allowance, and to dramatically reduce the job-seekers allowance for people aged 25 and under.

Cllr Michael Collins said, “These cuts amount to an attack on supports for people who most need it. It is deeply unfair for the government to target older people, people with serious illnesses and disabilities and young job seekers in this way.

“This motion is about highlighting just how unfair and highly damaging these cuts are. Most of the measures in Budget 2014 don’t kick in until January so there is still plenty of time for Fine Gael and Labour to listen to people’s concerns, consider the impact of their decisions and reverse the cuts that unnecessarily target the more vulnerable people.

“I am asking the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to look again at his decisions. I’m also urging his Fine Gael and Labour colleagues on Limerick County Council to stand up for the people of Co Limerick who will suffer as a result of these cuts and support our calls for a reversal.”