Age Action Ireland has called on the Government to divert the extra money it will get from this Thursday’s hike in tax on solid fuels to protect vulnerable pensioners.

A rallying call has gone out to elderly advocacy groups to gather the troops and start making banners for a massive protest in Dublin next week over budget cuts against elderly people.

The Government’s policy of austerity is increasing the risk of causing severe damage to Ireland’s social fabric, according to a group of charities representing people with disabilities and their carers.

Age Action Ireland has given a guarded welcome to indications that the Government would seek talks with the doctors on the medical card scheme.