Poor hammered while rich escape the net

DESPITE the Government’s climbdown on two measures, the budget remains one for the rich while it hammers the poor.

Regardless of the raised income threshold for the over-70s’ medical card, applicants will still have to undergo a means test thereby rescinding the principle of a free universal health service for this section of the population.

At any given time, if the Government so wishes, this qualifying threshold can be reduced even further. It also opens the door for means testing of other universal entitlements for the over-70s, such as free travel.

While workers on the minimum wage have now been exempted from the 1% levy, anyone earning above it will be levied on all their pay.

The education cuts mean, among other things, that Ireland will have one of the worst teacher/pupil ratios in western Europe.

And by making the Combat Poverty Agency part of the Department Social and Family Affairs, the Government is effectively muzzling the one independent body which could stand up for the rights of the worst-off people in our society.

Meanwhile, the wealthy have been let off scot-free. Corporation tax and capital gains tax have gone untouched while tax exiles are still allowed to remain outside the net.

While the Government promised to protect the vulnerable, it has in fact yet again made for a more unequal society where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Kieran McNulty

c/o Lios Rua

Cahermoneen

Tralee

Co Kerry