Sir, - Muintir na Tire is delighted with the level of support it has received for its call for the setting up of a Task Force to examine the feasibility of allowing people over 65 years of age to lodge up to £10,000 in a financial institution free of DIRT, and the effect this will have on the pension and medical card entitlements. The support has come from political parties, organisations both urban and rural, and individuals.
Muintir na Tire made its call following the robbery of £12,000 and the subsequent violent attack on two elderly brothers in Co Wicklow recently.
While Muintir na Tire is aware that its recommendations will have wider implications, it is our belief that because of the real threat to elderly people the Government should immediately set up a Task Force which will investigate how such a scheme can be made to work. This Task Force should consist of representatives of the Department of Justice, Social Welfare, Health, Finance and organisations working with the elderly.
Muintir na Tire will be happy to serve on this task force and will bring its experience of community crime prevention to the discussion.
Most people who have worked their lives will have made financial provision for living expenses, health care etc, in their later years. Muintir na Tire calls on the Government to give guidelines stipulating an allowance for persons on pensions (contributory and non contributory) which, will be flexible enough to allow them the security of keeping their savings in a financial institution, and in some way help to prevent the recurrence of the recent appalling events. - Yours, etc.,
President, Muintir na Tire,
27 North Street,
Swords, Co Dublin.