Call for Government to increase pensions

Age Action Ireland is calling on the Government to increase pensions and allowances to help offset the rising costs of home heating for the elderly.

The cost of electricity is set to rise by 20% in the New Year, while a 34% hike in gas prices comes into effect next month.

The group is particularly concerned about the impact on pensioners living alone.

Spokesperson Eamonn Timmons says the Government needs to respond.

"This is very bad news for everyone, but especially pensioners who are more dependent than the rest of us on electricity and gas to stay warm,” he said.

“It's hard enough for a couple, or pensioners living alone but it's much, much harder for pensioners living alone because the cost of heating and lighting a house is the same for two."