A LIMERICK priest has described the government’s decision to cut exceptional needs payments for religious ceremonies as ‘another mean gesture.’
Fr Tony O’Riordan of Moyross parish said People on social welfare are easy targets. ”I think people are finding it very tough. With fuel and food costs I see this as another unnecessary blow. Everyone wants the best for their child and everyone is entitled to a modest celebration,”he said.
More than €3.4m was paid in communion and confirmation grants in 2011 to over 14,000 families nationwide.
The payout was slashed last year with 12,500 families receiving €1.5m – and now this year it will be axed altogether.
The Department of Social Protection said that although clothing costs should be met by normal social welfare payments, it is still provided funding for children’s and adults’ clothing in “exceptional circumstances”.
A recent survey by EBS showed that parents expect to spend €573 on average on First Communions this year.
