Elderly savers get no reward for thrift

THE recent Dáil statement by the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, that the lump sum repayment to residents of long-stay community hospitals/nursing homes would not impact adversely on their pension entitlement is most welcome.

But it is equally important that the Government ensures non nursing home pensioners are treated justly.

The present system allows the Government to reduce the non-contributory pension of those who achieve a certain level of savings.