Better support for 8,000 elderly

Press Statement December 7^th 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.”