Brian Lenihan indicates coming Social Welfare rates cuts

[kerrynorth]

In responding to the Dail debate on the cutting of the Christmas bonus for Social Welfare recipients Brian Lenihan indicated that Social Welfare rates will almost certainly be cut in the next budget, if not earlier. He referred how the 3% increase in the 2008 budget plus maybe as much as 5% deflation will mean a real 8% increase and that cutting the Christmas bonus may be minor compared to what is coming down the line. Although in using a 5% deflation figure what Brian Lenihan fails to realise that where the deflation is coming through is in interest rate cuts on mortgages in the main - not in the basics of daily living costs for Social Welfare recipients.

[stonethrower]

I think it is interesting that IBEC and the stockbrokers and now it appears some in Government feel that social welfare should be pegged to inflation/deflation. That wasn't the case when we had almost 5% inflation for a number of years. If they want to make that link, well and good but it could come back to haunt them if high levels of inflation return.

[Rebel CNC]

I think it is interesting that IBEC and the stockbrokers and now it appears some in Government feel that social welfare should be pegged to inflation/deflation. That wasn't the case when we had almost 5% inflation for a number of years. If they want to make that link, well and good but it could come back to haunt them if high levels of inflation return.

Indeed and likewise, no public sector union reps banging on about their desire to be benchmarked to their compatriots in the private sector! Five years ago it was the just and equitable thing to do!

[caveman]

I think it is interesting that IBEC and the stockbrokers and now it appears some in Government feel that social welfare should be pegged to inflation/deflation. That wasn't the case when we had almost 5% inflation for a number of years. If they want to make that link, well and good but it could come back to haunt them if high levels of inflation return.

It is the same thing with benchmarking. The unions and Civil Service wanted it when the Private Sector were earning more. Nobody wants a cut now that the Private Sector are jobless, on reduced terms or fearing for their jobs.

[smitchy2]

Social welfare should have a minimum of €100 pw.
Additional payments should be made to those who have then made contributions through the PAYE/PRSI system.
At least Lenihan is been honest in comparision to Labour's populist motion!

[odie1kanobe]

I think it is interesting that IBEC and the stockbrokers and now it appears some in Government feel that social welfare should be pegged to inflation/deflation. That wasn't the case when we had almost 5% inflation for a number of years. If they want to make that link, well and good but it could come back to haunt them if high levels of inflation return.

So
What was the Childrens Allowances in 1997 and what are they now ?
What was the Dole / Assitance payment then and now ?

Lets see whether they have been eroded by inflation over that time.

Answer will be they have been.

[caveman]

Social welfare should have a minimum of €100 pw.
Additional payments should be made to those who have then made contributions through the PAYE/PRSI system.
At least Lenihan is been honest in comparision to Labour's populist motion!

Lenihan honest??

He has back-tracked on all his budget announcements regarding government pay.

He also announced several things in the budget (government pay being linked to similar sized EU countries etc.) which he has 100% failed to give any further details on.

Either the man is a complete and natural born liar or he is in WAY over his head. Either way, he should step down.

[bluefish]

Cut the Dole?

Id like to see how the government reacts when over 400,000 Irish take to the streets in protest!

And how about all the bills people pay?

How many use welfare to pay for basics such as ESB, Child care, not to mention the over inflated cost of food!

[buachailrua]

Maybe give people on the Dole Food Vouchers instead of money??

[an asal]

A jeysus lads don't worry even when Leny announces a cut Social welfare in the next budget, it won't count, like Serving TD's pensions and servvice pay, the next day he will say I can't do it as the legal system won't allow it.