Cowen calls for Government response on latest IMF reports

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Barry Cowen has called on the Government to respond to the latest reports that pensions, free travel and medical cards for the over 70s may be targeted for cutbacks in the next budget.

Deputy Cowen commented, “Pensions, free travel and medical cards for the over 70s have been identified for cuts in the latest report from the IMF. I will be seeking clarification from the Government in the Dáil this week about where they stand on these issues.

“There was relief last week to the IMF’s indications that they would support Ireland’s position on the Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes. The very next day, a report was published preparing the ground for cuts to key services for older people in this country. People are justifiably wondering if this is a case of tit for tat, and if the Government is offering up some key social safety nets to make for positive headlines on the promissory notes.

“Before December’s budget, we saw a record level of kite-flying from Fine Gael and Labour, attempting to soften the ground for cuts they planned to make this year. This created an unacceptable level of fear and confusion among families and vulnerable people who spent months worrying about the reports of the cutbacks they would face.  Now, people are wondering if this is beginning to happen again, nine months ahead of next year’s Budget.  Are the reports of possible cuts to pensions, free travel and medical cards a case of obscenely early kite-flying for cuts in 2013?

“The public deserves clarification on this. The Government has a responsibility to kill any notion that we have months of kite-flying and scaremongering ahead.”