O Cuív: Wealthy OAPs shouldn’t be exempt from cuts

WEALTHY pensioners should not be exempt from budget cuts simply because of their age, according to Minister for Social Protection Eamon O Cuív.

The minister responsible for welfare payments said he did not want to add to the “fear” among older people ahead of the December 7 budget, but said the age group cannot be out of bounds as the Government seeks €6 billion in savings.

“There are people over 65 who are extremely wealthy in this society and, in my view, we have to look at those people,” he said.