Ivan Camilleri's "revelation" (October 13) that social benefits are keeping eight per cent of the Maltese from falling into the "at risk of poverty" category is old hat. A more topical issue is how many are near or on the poverty line.

As a senior citizen I have a particular interest in how others in my category are faring. In 2005, 16 per cent of seniors were at risk of poverty against the national average of 14 per cent. In 2006, more than 20 per cent of seniors were at such risk. Heaven knows what the percentages for 2007, 2008 and 2009 will turn out to be!

Yet, in spite of the deprivations which a substantial chunk - increasing yearly - of senior citizens have to face, the government persists in the policy of effectively introducing a guaranteed national minimum pension not below 60 per cent of the average national median income (the EU norm) from January 1, 2027.

Will those pensioners below this level be allowed to go under in the intervening years? This would hardly equate with the catchphrase "adequate and sustainable pensions" touted by those holding high political office.

On behalf of the thousands of seniors below the poverty line, I urge politicians in government to ease up on the rhetoric and instead concentrate on the substance.