Burton is right about the ‘dole lifestyle’

A RECENT letter (July 21) condemned Joan Burton for saying she was going to tackle the ‘dole lifestyle’ taken on by some citizens. In fact, the social protection minister is right.

Certain people in this country choose to live on the dole and are happy to do so. Minister Burton does not deserve the heavy criticism she has received. I am not a keen supporter of the current Government, but, I have to agree with her. The Government doesn’t take enough notice of those using the system to live on money they are not entitled to. Promises made by the Taoiseach in the election campaign, to refrain from cuts to social welfare, were insane and quite obviously a bargaining tool to win over vulnerable voters. This is one promise he should not keep.

I would rather see the emergency services maintained in Roscommon at the expense of those cheating and taking advantage of the social welfare system.

Many honest, hard-working people have been forced into the dole offices but cuts still have to be made to the current system to change people’s perceptions of the dole lifestyle. Going on the dole should be something people are forced into rather than a lifestyle choice that is quite appealing.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly