logo-500logo-500logo-500logo-500
  • Home
  • Our Work
    • Our Work
    • Campaigns for Change
    • Community Impact Network
    • Alone in Action
    • Press Releases
    • Publications & Resources
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Volunteers
    • Fundraisers
    • Corporates
    • Partner With Us
    • Career Opportunities
    • Leave a Legacy
  • Make a Referral
    • Make a Referral
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact
  • Donate
✕

ALONE urges Government to implement changes for older people in Budget 2023 or risk them going hungry this winter

July 22, 2022

The organisation has outlined its key asks in their pre-budget submission to
the Department of Social Protection ahead of Budget 2023:

Minimum of €20 increase to the State Pension for this year and 2024

Benchmarking of Living Alone Allowance and increase this year by €20

Expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme from 28 to 35 weeks and additional €20 per week

 

Dublin, 22 July 2022    ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age safely and securely at home, has called on Government to live up to their promises to benchmark the State Pension in Budget 2023, or risk older people going hungry and cold this winter.

ALONE has today released its pre-budget submission to the Department of Social Protection, which calls for minimum increases of €20 to the State Pension, the Living Alone Allowance, and the Fuel Allowance.

Research carried out with older people who use ALONE’s services has shown that nearly three quarters are ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ concerned about the increases in cost of living. Nearly two thirds worry about struggling to pay the bills. Increases in heating, food costs and housing maintenance are the highest areas of concern. On a national level, CSO data shows that those aged 65+ were the only group to see increases across all three poverty rates between 2020 and 2021[1]. Almost 92,000 older people are at risk of or experiencing consistent poverty in Ireland today.

“Government have committed previously to benchmarking the State pension, which was due to begin in 2021, and on several occasions previously,” said ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan. “This did not happen. If it had, older people would not be struggling to the extent they are today with the increases in the cost of living.”

In their submission, titled ‘If Not Now, When?’, the organisation has called for increases to the State Pension, the Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Allowance, increased streamlining of entitlements for older people, and for reviews of the Urgent and Exceptional Needs Payment Schemes. The organisation say that payment increases are vital in the face of increasing poverty among older people.

“While we acknowledge the impact of the pandemic, today we are hearing from older people having to make very stark choices including rationing food, and are struggling to pay their energy bills,” continued Moynihan. “We are hugely concerned about what the ongoing impact of inflation on older people will look like this winter and in 2023. The commitment to benchmark the pension has already been made. At ALONE we are asking the question of Government – ‘If not now, when?’”

 

Older people limited to a fixed income are being hit particularly hard by increases in costs caused by inflation, with many struggling to afford the basics. ALONE cite cases of older people:

  • Rationing food, or having to choose between buying food and paying bills
  • Going to bed in the afternoons to save on heating costs
  • Not attending hospital appointments because the cost of transport is too high
  • Selling off items to support themselves
  • Restricted to living in small areas of their home because of inability to afford heating costs, repairs/maintenance, or adaptations to their home

 

The organisation is calling for Government to make a two-year commitment of increases of a minimum of €20 to the State Pension, in line with benchmarking promises made in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion. “Government representatives have stated repeatedly that we cannot chase inflation,” said Moynihan. “But if the pension had been benchmarked as promised, the increase would actually outstrip that of inflation, which is why we are asking for a 2-year commitment to increase the pension by a minimum of €20 each year. We are urging Government to make the right decision here and deliver on commitments already made. Older people need certainty of their income before we come into the difficult autumn and winter months.”

With more than 1 in 5 older people living alone at risk of poverty, the organisation has also made calls for a two-year commitment to increase the Living Alone Allowance and to benchmark it to one quarter of the State Pension. It has also called for an increase to the Fuel Allowance of €20 and expansion of the scheme from 28 weeks to 35 weeks.

“There were more than 200,000 people over 60 in receipt of the Fuel Allowance in 2021[2],” continued Moynihan. “The Fuel Allowance is a lifeline for older people, who rely extensively on their home heating. While we welcomed the additional payments of the Fuel Allowance this year, the Allowance was wiped out almost entirely by the increase in heating costs alone – and unfortunately, inflation seems set to continue.”

“With poverty rates for older people increasing, older people living alone and in rural locations struggling, increasing housing costs and ongoing inflation on top of all this – we are urging Government to make this a Budget that truly supports older people as we enter a difficult winter for us all,” he concluded.

Other recommendations in ALONE’s pre-budget submission to the Department of Social Protection include simplifying the processes for applying for entitlements for older people, and reviewing Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. ALONE have also made pre-budget submissions to the Department of Health and the Department of Housing.

 

Find ALONE’s pre-budget submission to the Department of Social Protection here: ALONE PreBudget Submission – Department of Social Protection

 

[1]https://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/ep/surveyonincomeandlivingconditions/2021/povertyanddeprivation/P-SILC2021TBL3.1.xls

[2] https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2022-02-15/495/

About Us

  • About Us
  • Covid-19 Resources
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Campaigns

  • The Alliance of Age Sector NGO’s latest report calls for an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People
    January 25, 2023
  • Christmas Tree delivery in Willie Bermingham Place as part of ongoing effort to Share the Warmth.
    December 12, 2022
  • ALONE asks government to prepare for an older population
    December 5, 2022

Publications & Resources

  • Resources for Older People
    December 9, 2020
  • Strategic Plan
    December 9, 2020
  • Financial Statements and Annual Reports
    December 9, 2020
  • Research
    December 9, 2020
  • Quality & Transparency
    December 9, 2020

News & Media

  • ALONE asks public to check in on older people in their community during cold weather.
    March 9, 2023
  • ALONE calls for long-awaited national strategy to combat loneliness in light of ‘Hello Again World’ campaign
    March 1, 2023
  • Alarming increase in poverty rates for older people, say ALONE
    February 23, 2023

Independent, Transparent, Quality Assured

One of Ireland’s few Quality Assured charities: ISO 9001:2015

Charity Number: RCN:20020057/CHY 8259

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2021 ALONE. All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies on our website. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Privacy Policy
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
CH09 Support Coordinators

Northwest Dublin Inner City 

Anne Nolan 

[email protected]

087 053 5887

Northeast Dublin Inner City

Ellen Griffin

[email protected]

083 044 2512

Drumcondra, Donnycarney & Clontarf

Michael McDonagh

[email protected]

Harmonstown, Raheny & Donaghmede

Michael McDonagh

[email protected]

Beaumont, Coolock & Darndale

Fionnghuala Burns 

[email protected]

083 060 3871

Poppintree ,Ballymun, Santry

Marie Claire Carney

[email protected]

083 415 5526

Swords & Malahide

Tracey Benney

[email protected]

086 010 9933

Balbriggan, Skerries & Lusk

Shauna Lawlor

[email protected]

085 168 4911

Howth & Portmarnock 

Grace O’Driscoll 

[email protected]

086 107 9430

Clonee & Mulhuddart

Linda Murray

[email protected]

086 107 1202

Castleknock & Blanchardstown

Emma Lanigan

[email protected]

St. Margaret”s, Finglas & Glasnevin

Linda Murray

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Doreen Blake 

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Marie mc Allister 

Telephone Support Coordinator

Louise Ellison

[email protected]

087 130 3561

Telephone Support Coordinator

Claire Molloy 

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Sharon mcManus

[email protected]

085 731 8302

Telephone Support Coordinator

Mary Mc Hugh

Volunteer Support Officer

Christine Hynes

[email protected]

087 130 3561

Volunteer Support Officer

Angie Doherty

[email protected]

086 898 7715

CH08 Support Coordinators

East West Meath

Gary Blanchfield

[email protected]

Longford & Central Westmeath

Aisling Mulvhill

[email protected]

West Westmeath & Northwest Offaly

Karen Coan

[email protected]

087 659 0667

Offaly

Christine Marten

[email protected]

086 011 5756

South Laois

Mary Deane

[email protected]

086 107 7890

East Offaly & North Laois

Aine Greaney

[email protected]

085 110 8757

North Louth

Joanne Finnegan

[email protected]

085 721 2609

South Louth & Bettystown

Laura Hanberry

[email protected]

086 013 8850

Central Meath

Elizabeth Bates 

[email protected]

087 090 0932

North Meath & Ardee

Ciara McGivern

[email protected]

087 789 0312

Southwest Meath

Tony Byrne

[email protected]

083 064 5413

East Meath

Gabriel Gough

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Murphy

[email protected]

086 035 3904

Volunteer Support Officer

Fiona Boyle

[email protected]

Volunteer Support Officer

Frances Sheerin

[email protected]

086 108 5965

CH07 Support Coordinators

Rathmines, Terenure & Templeogue

Jessica Beaton

[email protected]

Drimnagh, Crumlin & Harold’s Cross

Theresa Maher

[email protected]

South Dublin Inner City

Emma Moloney

[email protected]

083 878 7007

Ballyfermot & Palmerstown

Emma Moloney

[email protected]

083 878 7007

Lucan

Rafael Guzman

[email protected]

086 013 7912

Northeast Kildare 

Annette Head

[email protected]

086 440 2893

Rathfarnham, Knocklyon & Ballyboden

Jessica Beaton

[email protected]

Tallaght & Firhouse

Natasha Kinsella 

[email protected]

Newcastle, Citywest & Saggart

Annemarie Molloy 

[email protected]

086 013 7256

Clondalkin

Rhonda Ryan

[email protected]

086 011 9265

East Kildare & Blessington 

Tara Phibbs 

[email protected]

086 084 7247

West & Central Kildare 

Deirdre Dunne

[email protected]

083 062 5966

South Kildare & West Wicklow 

Sinead Donnelly

[email protected]

085 872 1248

Northwest Kildare

Sally Morrin

[email protected]

085 872 1248

Telephone Support Coordinator

Emma Daly 

[email protected]

086 108 2211

Volunteer Support Officer

Carol Hughes

[email protected]

086 076 1083

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciara Holden

[email protected]

086 108 2211

CH06 Support Coordinators

Southeast Wicklow

Mark Johnston

[email protected]

Northeast Wicklow

Samantha Keane

[email protected]

086 440 0117

Ballinteer, Stepaside & Kiltiernan 

Ciaran Cooke

[email protected]

086 319 8034

Foxrock, Carrickmines & Shankill 

Kathryne McCabe

[email protected]

086 014 1628

Milltown, Churchtown & Dundrum

Justin Tennant 

[email protected]

083 419 4186

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey & Loughlinstown

Eva O’Dwyer 

[email protected]

087 144 4416

Stillorgan, Booterstown & Monkstown 

Ciaran Cooke

[email protected]

086 319 8034

Donnybrook, Ranelagh & Ringsend 

Daragh McDonagh

[email protected]

086 011 6704

Telephone Support Coordinator

Ciara Solan 

[email protected]

087 936 9936

Volunteer Support Officer

Grainne Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 108 2524

CH05 Support Coordinators

North Kilkenny & Kilkenny City

Mary Colclough

[email protected]

086 410 8902

Central Kilkenny & South Carlow

Liz Nolan 

[email protected]

087 755 5021

North Carlow 

Clare Mullins

[email protected]

086 031 5628

Waterford City 

Doireann Gough & Conor O’Brien

[email protected]

086 013 6357

West Waterford & Tramore 

Maria Butfoy

[email protected]

086 136 4338

South Tipperary & North Waterford

Deidre O’Connor

[email protected]

086 011 8991

Central Tipperary

Catherine Power

[email protected]

Central Wexford

Aileen O’Neill

[email protected]

North Wexford

Mary Murnane

[email protected]

Southeast Wexford

Joan Slattery and Sarah Kerr

[email protected]

086 076 3958

Southwest Wexford

Natalia Gembicka

[email protected]

086 014 4915

Telephone Support Coordinator

Una Mc Grath 

[email protected]

083 102 6217

Volunteer Support Officer

Tara Doyle 

[email protected]

087 328 6673

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciaran Fitzpatrick

[email protected]

087 674 4629

CH04 Support Coordinators

North Kerry

Niamh Blackburn

[email protected]

086 084 1882

West Kerry (Killarney , Killorgan,Kenmare & Sneem)

Shannan Howe

[email protected]

South Kerry ( Dingle & Tralee)

Sean Hughes

[email protected]

086 084 6483

Northwest Cork

Irene O’Connell

[email protected]

087 613 5090

Northeast Cork

Irene O’Connell

[email protected]

087 613 5090

East Central Cork

Patricia O’Brien

[email protected]

086 084 1381

East Cork City

Regina Heaphy

[email protected]

086 127 7560

Central Cork

Regina Heaphy

[email protected]

086 127 7560

East Cork City

Maria Willis

[email protected]

086 011 9901

Blarney , Fairhill,Faranree,
Gurranebraher,Knocknaheeny,
Hollyhill , Sunday’s Well,Mardyke , City Centre)

Jessica Twohig

[email protected]

West Cork 

Stefan Doods

[email protected]

086 011 9903

South East Cork City

Katie Siwek

[email protected]

086 127 7134

West Central Cork 

Eva Hannigan 

[email protected]

086 378 5320

Bandon, Carrigaline, Kinsale

Eva Hannigan 

[email protected]

086 378 5320

South Cork City

Mary McCarthy

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Geraldine Commins

[email protected]

087 390 1769

Volunteer Support Officer

Mairead Egan

[email protected]

087 253 1380

Volunteer Support Officer

Tracey Kearney

[email protected]

086 440 9893

CH03 Support Coordinators

West Clare

 Michelle Gallagher

[email protected]

086 127 6308

North Tipperary

Alison Kennedy

[email protected]

086 127 9660

East Clare

Steph Apsel

[email protected]

West Limerick

Rosaline Normile

[email protected]

086 107 9432

East Limerick and Ballina

Orla Regan

[email protected]

South Limerick City

Deborah Blane

[email protected]

South Limerick

Sarah Minogue

[email protected]

086 013 1055

Telephone Support Coordinator

Amy McLoughlin

[email protected]

086 107 9431

Volunteer Support Officers

Aoife Dennehy

[email protected]

086 211 5307

CH02 Support Coordinators

Central Galway & East Galway City 

Ciara Groonell

[email protected]

086 013 9448

West Galway  

Eileen Keoghan

[email protected]

085 780 190

West Galway City

Greta Klasaukskaite

[email protected]

086 108 5038

Tuam, Athenry & Loughrea (CHN Learning Site)

Mona Tillmans

[email protected]

086 012 5716

East Galway & South Roscommon

Mary Ginley

[email protected]

086 440 0667

North Roscommon & North-East Galway 

Carol Duffy

[email protected]

086 013 1569

East Mayo

Sinead Reinhardt

[email protected]

086 108 5167

North Mayo

Breda Gilligan 

[email protected]

086 011 8570

West Mayo

Eileen McKeown

[email protected]

086 136 6717

Telephone Support Coordinator

Susan Dillon

[email protected]

086 013 4041

Volunteer Support Officers

Karen Byrne

[email protected]

087 412 6570

Volunteer Support Officers

Paul Stafford

[email protected]

086 013 5043

CH01 Support Coordinators

Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)

Bronagh Doyle

[email protected]

861716984

East Donegal

Denise McHugh

[email protected]

086 083 4393

North Central Donegal

Michael Purtill

[email protected]

086 014 5831

Cavan

Michael Kennedy

[email protected]

086 440 2894

Monaghan

Mary Ginley

[email protected]

086 440 0667

Leitrim & West Cavan

Chantelle Devaney 

[email protected]

086 084 1315

Sligo, North Leitrim & Bundoran

Geraldine McCormack 

[email protected]

086 035 3899

West Donegal

Emma Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 844 3529

Telephone Support Coordinator

Deirdre Browne

[email protected]

086 608 1026

Telephone Support Coordinator

Kate Reilly

[email protected]

083 091 4720

Volunteer Support Officers

Helena Campbell

[email protected]

01 805 7709

Volunteer Support Officers

Hannah Laraway

[email protected]