Her no bullshit approach was very popular.
Despite the fact that pensions have increased by €5 per week in Budget 2017, ALONE have stated that more needs to be done to support older people in the community. "There has been no announcement from the government yet on homecare packages," said Sean Moynihan, the charity's CEO.
In response to the €5 reduction in the maximum fee that over-70s pay for medicine, Moynihan commented, “This reduction is a move in the right direction as the introduction of the €2.50 prescription charge over the last number of years has had serious health implications for older people. ALONE has witnessed the struggle of older people who have had to prioritise certain medicines as they cannot afford their entire prescription.”
While Budget 2017 might be a step in the right direction, some pensioners still feel that these measures doesn't compensate them enough. It's also worth noting that the €5 pension increase doesn't kick in until March.
As is the norm, Prime Time discussed the fallout from Budget 2017 and there was one clear winner. Take a look as a 77-year-old pensioner named Ellen Redden cuts through any bullshit by saying what she really thinks.
https://twitter.com/odhranallen/status/785958400085590016
The Ballymun native's straight-talking approach has won her plenty of admirers.
https://twitter.com/usiequality/status/786003831599628288
https://twitter.com/mcgarrigle1/status/785949183836553216
https://twitter.com/barbaraedwards1/status/785945802900443137
https://twitter.com/williamhboney1/status/785952391283834880
https://twitter.com/bren_hil/status/785954740454756352
https://twitter.com/susanbrodigan/status/785953228299046912
https://twitter.com/fionakenny1/status/785953060719734784
https://twitter.com/fionakenny1/status/785953271957434368
