Monday, December 7, 2015

Better support for 8,000 elderly

Press Statement December 7th 2015




Better support for 8,000 elderly people in Roscommon as Christmas approaches


Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim Frank Feighan, has said that this Government is continuing to protect the elderly, and is providing better support for 8,000 elderly people in Roscommon.

“Fine Gael has always sought to protect elderly people and will continue to do so. This year, as a result of Budget 2016, across Roscommon, almost 8,000 elderly people will receive a 75% Christmas bonus, on top of their pension. It means a pensioner couple who are both in receipt of the non-contributory State Pension will receive a bonus payment of €328.50.

“Elderly people in Roscommon are also benefiting from increases in the pension and in the rate of the Fuel Allowance. The allowance is paid for 26 weeks from October to April. Budget 2016 also introduced an increase in funding for Free Travel by €3 million, from €77 million to €80 million, ensuring sustainability of the service for 836,000 Free Travel pass holders

“Fine Gael’s top priority is to keep the recovery going and thanks to the Irish people, we are now seeing economic progress, with 135,000 more people at work. More people in work means less tax for working people and more revenue to invest in better services.


“This will ensure more people and families feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. It also means we can afford to give a little back to the people who need it most. I am pleased that Fine Gael is continuing to support elderly people by increasing the pension, the Christmas bonus and the Fuel Allowance.”

Fall of 22.5% in Roscommon Live Register

Press Statement : December 7th 2015

Fall of 22.5% in Roscommon Live Register as local economy strengthens – Feighan

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said that the steady reduction in the number of people signing on the Live Register in Roscommon is strengthening the growing local economy.

“The latest CSO data shows that the Live Register in Roscommon has fallen by more than 22.5% since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, while the national unemployment rate is now 8.9%.

“We are seeing economic progress, with over 135,000 more people at work, but we cannot take for granted that stability and recovery will continue. It is also important that we ensure the recovery continues to spread to all parts of the country, including here in Roscommon.

“A drop in the number of people signing on the Live Register is very positive and highlights the growth in the local economy. More people in work creates the resources to cut taxes for working people and invest in better services.

“Plans are also in place to eliminate the USC during the term of the next Government. This harsh tax, is a burden on workers and I have been working for some time on behalf of the people of Roscommon to get rid of it.