Sinn Féin’s Manifesto leaves pensioners in the cold – Higgins

Sinn Féin’s manifesto fails to mention any changes to key supports for pensioners such as the Living Alone Allowance, Fuel Allowance, Free Travel Pass or Household Benefit Package according to a Fine Gael Minister.

Minister Emer Higgins, Fine Gael’s General Election candidate for Dublin Mid West, said:

“Our older people have worked hard all their lives, they’ve put in their shift, paid their dues and helped build our country up. Yet Sinn Féin have abandoned pensioners in their Election Manifesto published today.

“Sinn Féin make no reference to the Living Alone Allowance, a key targeted support for older people who live by themselves. In contrast Fine Gael is committed to increasing this payment to €33 per week. We’re doing this because we recognise that it costs the same to keep the house heated and turn on the lights for a single person as a couple.

“In fact Sinn Féin have no proposals to enhance the supports available to assist pensioners with their energy costs – they would leave old people in the cold.

“Fine Gael in Government has expanded the Fuel Allowance in a major way to support older people. We introduced the Over 70s Fuel Allowance and from January we will expand the eligibility for Over 66s. This will mean a couple over 66 can earn €1,048 per week and still qualify for the Fuel Allowance.

“As part of the Older Person’s Guarantee in our manifesto, we are committed to expanding the Household Benefit Package to all pensioners. This will mean all Over 66 Households will receive €35 per month off their gas or electricity bills – this will save pensioners €420 a year.

“Sinn Féin make no mention of the Free Travel Pass for pensioners in their manifesto. This is a vital support for older people. Fine Gael is committed to expanding the Free Travel Pass Scheme. In 2025, we will provide all Over 70s with a companion pass ensuring they can bring a friend, son or daughter with them on public transport for free.

“On top of this, Sinn Féin seem to be proposing an increase of €10 per year for weekly pension payments. Fine Gael will increase weekly pension payments by at least €12 per year ensuring that the State Pension increases to €350 per week over the lifetime of the next Government.

“Sinn Féin seem to think that pensioners are immune to the cost of living and have no proposals to support them.

“Fine Gael in contrast has prioritised our pensioners with cost of living supports including:

• A double pension payment at the end of October;
• A €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum payment for pensioners and a €200 lump sum for older people living alone has been paid in November;
• And a further double payment will be paid to all pensioners the first week in December.

“Fine Gael recognises the contribution that older people have made to this country and we are committed to supporting them. Sinn Féin, in contrast, would leave our pensioners out in the cold.”