Tough choices for the elderly

Age Action has warned many older people may be forced to choose between buying medicine, food, and fuel due to the effects of the budget.

In a fresh blow to the many elderly who rely on solid fuels to heat their homes, the Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG) has warned the extension of the carbon tax will increase the cost of coal by up to €3 per bag.

At present a 40kg bag of coal costs between €14 and €18.