Hunger striker gets attention of minister

THE Agriculture Minister is to examine the circumstances of an unemployed father who is on hunger strike after being refused social welfare payments.

Hunger striker gets attention of minister

Ray Barry, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, said he felt he had no other option but to protest after he was turned down for jobseeker’s allowance following a means test.

The married father of two young children, whose wife Karen works, has been on hunger strike outside his local social welfare office since Saturday.

ā€œI’m protesting at the unfairness of the system,ā€ said Mr Barry.

ā€œThe social welfare staff have been very polite and helpful but I am just so frustrated with the process.ā€

Mr Barry worked for a US multinational for 14 years but was made redundant in October 2010 as the company restructured.

He received €188 a week in jobseeker’s benefit for 52 weeks, after which he had to apply for the jobseeker’s allowance.

However, this payment is means-tested and his application was rejected last Friday.

ā€œI have been working for the best part of three decades and have paid more than 1,400 weeks in tax and PRSI contributions,ā€ he said.

ā€œBut going on my wages in my previous job, all I’ve been paid in benefits so far is the equivalent of just 13 weeks’ contributions.

ā€œI understand that it’s means-tested but it’s a totally unjust system.

ā€œWe’re not a wealthy family and my wife works as a general operative.

ā€œI’m just flabbergasted that after all those years of paying tax and PRSI, I get nothing in return.ā€

Mr Barry said he has been applying for all kinds of jobs but he said ā€œthere’s absolutely nothing availableā€.

He said his protest, which he mounts outside the local social welfare office every day from 6.30am to 5pm, is beginning to take a physical toll on him.

ā€œI’ve been drinking water, coffee and tea and sleeping at home,ā€ he said.

ā€œI’ve never done anything like this before. I could be at it for another five hours or five days. I just don’t know.ā€

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said it did not comment on individual cases, but said an appeals process was in place for anyone with issues around benefit entitlements.

Mr Barry contacted the office of one of his local TDs, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, yesterday.

A spokesperson for Mr Coveney said they were aware of Mr Barry’s case and were happy to engage with him regarding the issues.

ā€œWe are happy to examine the circumstances and help Mr Barry explore his options,ā€ he said.

More in this section

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Keep up with stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap and important breaking news alerts.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

Ā© Examiner Echo Group Limited