We have just started receiving information on our state pension for 2011. From the pension papers we have received it seems the old, sick and needy have fared very badly again this year.

All pensioners have only received two-thirds of the €1.16 the government said everyone would be getting, that amounts to 77c a week. Some pensioners do not even receive the two-thirds pension, they get less. They only get part of the 77c, which varies from 25c to 77c. These are the most vulnerable people in our society.

Why should a politician get a pay rise of hundreds of euros a week when a pensioner on average only gets 50c? It beggars belief.

Also, this group will only get part of the €257 cost-of-living bonus, issued between January and December, making life extremely difficult. Some have only received €50 instead of the €257 promised, with amounts varying from person to person.

When enquiries were made at the local social security offices, we were told everyone should be getting the €257 but this is not happening. When proof was provided of amounts issued, a lot of “ifs and buts” were given but no evidence of how their figures are worked out.

The figures for pensioners, sick and needy point to one direction – poverty. The baker does not charge €10 to a minister for a loaf of bread and only cents to a pensioner. We all pay the same price.

Only a bad society would turn its back on those who are old, sick or are needy.

Politicians should get their just reward but so must the rest of us. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord but some seem to think not.

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