Allow €1.6bn for the needy, charity urges

THE country’s major charity for the needy yesterday demanded the Government set aside €1.6 billion for Ireland’s most vulnerable citizens in the December 4 Budget.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul said that despite the worsening economic climate, Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy must choose to support the weak instead of boost the lifestyle of the more prosperous.

The society urges l all workers on the €12,879 per annum minimum wage be taken out of the tax net at a cost of 560 million to the State l the medical card be extended to all children under €18 l a minimum €130 a week for social welfare, up €11.20 l a single weekly child dependent allowance of €25 a child at a cost of €145 million to the State l the child benefit be increased to €149 a month, and the payment for the third and subsequent children to €185 a month at a cost of €415 million to the State.