BUDGET 2009 has turned
out to be one of the most controversial in recent
years. The decision to abolish the automatic right
to a pension for the over 70s and the 1% levy on all
incomes, regardless of how low, have been the most
divisive. Public outrage to the measures yesterday
forced the Government into what will likely be an
embarrassing U-turn. Taoiseach Brian Cowen confirmed
the medical card measure would not proceed in its
current form and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan is
to revisit the 1% levy. Fianna Fáil councillors from
around the country, concerned about the public
backlash, took the unusual step of meeting yesterday
to discuss the issues in Co Galway as the political
storm showed no signs of abating. Below is a sample
of the political reaction locally to last Tuesday's
Budget.
Fianna Fáil Senator Cecilia Keaveney: "Despite the
withdrawal of medical cards for the over 70s, people
should be aware that most people will retain their
card or their GP visiting card or gain the €400 and
can still qualify for a medical card on medical
grounds even when their income is high. However, I
continue to outline difficulties such as how people
who may have left a private health insurer may have
difficulty should they now feel a need to renew
their policy."
Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty: The decision to
increase class sizes is "a kick in the teeth to all
those voters who took Fianna Fáil on their word when
they promised reduced class sizes ahead of the
General Election in 2007."
Fine Gael TD Deputy Joe McHugh: "The Fianna Fáil
Government’s decision to withdraw the medical card
for citizens over 70 is a savage attack on the
elderly. Brian Cowen’s brutal attack on Irish
pensioners in this Budget becomes all the more
sinister when one considers...that pensioners will
not be able to buy insurance, at any price, for a
recurrence of any illness or a repeat of any
treatment that they have had in the last decade."
Senator Cecilia Keaveney: “It is with great
disappointment that I learned of...the closure of
the Lifford and Rockhill Army barracks. While the
need for so many barracks along the border has been
questioned in the past decade due to the advances in
the peace process, I have been on the case of having
them retained over the years. Previous battles were
won but the economic realities for all departments
led to their demise on this occasion as difficult
decisions in the defence budget had to be
addressed."
Sinn Féin Donegal County Councillor Pádraig
MacLochlainn: "There is deep anger, widespread
confusion and huge concern about the callous Fianna
Fáil-Green Government decision to re-impose means
testing for the medical card for over 70s Sinn Féin
offices continue to be inundated with calls from
people affected by this decision. This retrograde
step should be reversed without delay."
Senator Pearse Doherty: “For a saving of just €1.5
million the Government has decided to cut the
teaching grant of €50 per pupil learning Irish at
Irish language colleges during the summer months.
The effect of this cut will be disastrous. These
colleges play a huge role in promoting and reviving
the Irish language and should be supported in doing
so."
Senator Cecilia Keaveney: "We see in the Budget a
push for the use of bicycles to minimise car use
particularly in urban areas. The €1000 cycle-to-work
initiative was quite a quirky innovation. However,
cyclists need to be aware of their safety in the
form of their visibility in early morning and
evening darkness." |
