The December Budget should address the injustice of working widows, who pay full PRSI but get only 50 per cent disability benefits, the National Association of Widows in Ireland has urged.
In a Budget submission, the association accuses the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs of "unfair and unjust" treatment of widows in this situation and predicts the Department would lose if a case were brought to the European Court of Justice.
The submission also calls for the introduction of price controls on private nursing homes and for an increase in the number of State-run homes. These measures would counteract the "alarming" increase in the cost of private residential care, already "beyond the reach of many older people". The association also wants to see inspectors appointed by the health boards to visit nursing homes regularly and ensure maintenance of standards.
On hospitals, the submission "condemns out of hand the practice of mixed wards" in general medical and surgical departments. As well as offending against the patient's sense of dignity, the association claims, the practice "increases anxiety and stress and may delay recovery". More generally, the document urges the provision of sufficient beds and adequate staff.
Proposing a "national programme of home help" to assist the elderly to remain in their homes as long as possible, the submission urges a proper structure for carers.
Other demands of the association include substantial increases in the widows' pension, and financial compensation for women who failed to claim the allowance on the deaths of their husbands. The association is also calling for medical cards for all persons over the age of 65.
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