Give pensioners a decent budget break

AS vested interest groups visit Government with pre-budget submissions, old age pensioners who comprise a sizeable sector of the voting electorate need a lobby group to present their demands.

Having served the State well in difficult times, they deserve much more than their current pensions provide - a basic existence in our rip-off society.

In this period of unprecedented revenue for the State, the Government should increase the contributory old age pension to €200 from January 2006 with the objective of raising it to the minimum weekly wage rate as soon as possible.

As ageism is becoming a factor in our society, the Government must lead the way in treating our senior citizens in a proper and humane manner.

John J Hassett

Croke Street

Thurles

Co Tipperary