Madam, - The Government estimates published last week portray an inequitable, callous society. It is deeply shameful to be a voting member of such a society. It is obvious that the 16 social welfare cuts are directed substantially towards non-voting sectors of the population.
The stipulation that a tenant must show proof of living in private rented accommodation for at least six months to be considered for rent supplement is an outrageous attack on the most vulnerable. In the most cowardly fashion, the Minister has abdicated responsibility for providing accommodation by passing the decision over to the health boards, which will be working on severely curtailed budgets.
This restriction will make the work of any charity trying to help the less well-off impossible. Where will these people go? It is not only a question for lone parents who will end up in B&B accommodation indefinitely, if they are lucky. What about those 10 to 11 years on the housing list, as is common for young, single males?
Any thinking person can see that if an individual/family needs rent supplement they will not be in a position to pay the exorbitant rents demanded by private landlords for a period of six months. This leads to only one conclusion: there is obviously a severe lack of thinking people in our elected Government, none of whom will be directly affected by this measure. Why have we no structures regulating the amount of rent charged or legislation governing the annual increase permitted, as in so many other European countries? We need a more intelligent response than the standard "free market" retort to account for such ineptitude.
Every taxpayer wants their money spent wisely, so why does the Cabinet not tackle the real issues? The issues, quite clearly, are the distinct lack of sufficient housing and the lack of regulation in the rental sector, including tenants rights. The changes proposed to the rental supplement are wrong. - Yours, etc.,
CARMEL O'REILLY, Parkview Avenue, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6.
Madam, - I wonder if 15,000 people, including some with Fianna Fáil banners, will march against the cruel restrictions in rent allowance and other social welfare cuts. I wonder if any Government Ministers will break ranks over them. Will there be as much disquiet as there was over tax individualisation or first-time buyers' grants?
At a time when measures to address homelessness are failing and social inequality is rising we are creating a time-bomb. People must not allow those without powerful voices to suffer.
If there is a sufficient reaction maybe our "left-of-centre" Taoiseach will intervene. - Yours, etc.,
MATTHEW SEAVER, Millers Square, Lusk Village, Co Dublin.