Madam, – Arising from Harry McGee’s article (“Gold-plated pension regime may be unsustainable”, October 25th) two points by way of clarification seem necessary: 1. It is not true to say “the Government’s attempt to introduce a means test for over-70s medical cards was withdrawn amid angry street protests.” Since January 1st 2009, nobody aged over 70 years whose gross income exceeds €700 per week (€1,400 for a couple) is given a medical card unless in exceptional medical circumstances. (Citizen’s Information website) so there is means testing for medical cards for over-70s. 2. It is not true that “Pay parity for pensions has never been applied in the private sector.” It has been, in some instances yielding a pension greater than the 50 per cent of salary that public servants receive after 40 years of contributions.
– Yours, etc,