Speaking yesterday following a protest in Cork against the budget Cllr Michelle Hennessey (SF) said “In February the people of Ireland voted for a change in way this country was run. After the release of this budget there is no doubt but this government is following the same path of austerity and inequality as the last. The decision to cut the fuel allowance by €120 is scandalous and will cost lives. This cut will hit older people and those with disabilities worst. This follows cuts of up to 25% to fuel allowance and the household benefits package imposed by the Government in September. And it comes at a time when fuel prices are increasing sharply.

By cutting Back-to-School Allowance, Child Benefit, payments for lone parents on CE , reducing the age cap to seven for One Parent Family Allowance, cutting the part-time jobseekers’ payments, increasing the tenants’ contribution to rent allowance and by cutting CE supports, the minister is taking food out of the mouths of the poorest in society.

The cuts are primarily on the neediest in society. There is still protection for the higher paid in the country. The promise of fairness and equality did not last long with the newly elected. It is particularly disappointing that the labour party are standing over and implementing these savage cuts. A family on social welfare is being asked to contribute more than a family with over 150000 euro coming into the household. We are calling on people to contact your local TDs and voice your concern at these cuts.”