State pensioners spared budget cuts

CONTRARY to the impression given by Michael Mernagh in his letter (‘Retired public workers not living in luxury’, January 13), I never claimed a large percentage of them lived in opulence.

But I did question why virtually everyone who relies on the state for their income (including those with disabilities) have a reduced income after the budget — except pensioners.

When Mr Mernagh outlined the public sector pension scheme, he neglected to mention it is based on final salary.

Following the pension levy and recent budget reduction, the take-home pay of some current workers is comparable to those no longer working.

However, the younger adults generally will have much greater financial responsibilities, such as mortgages and the costs associated with rearing children.

Is that really the best way to run our society?

Tom Kindlon

Beechpark Lawn

Castleknock

Dublin 15