“This levy coupled with the imposition of the Carbon Tax on domestic fuel will force many older people into fuel poverty.  We in Ireland have an annual increase in winter deaths of approximately 2,000, while 10% of older people are at risk of poverty.  Because of increased levels of physical dependency many older people spend more time in their homes.  Older people because they are more fuel dependent than other groups in society spend a high proportion of their income on fuel and energy.  So any increase in either domestic heating fuel or electricity will mean those older people surviving on State Pensions will find it increasingly difficult to maintain themselves with any sense of security or dignity.”  Age Action Spokesperson Gerard Scully says. 

Contact Gerard Scully at 087 9682536 / 01 4756989/ Gerard.Scully@ageaction.ie