FIANNA Fáil Spokesperson on Employment Affairs & Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD has called for an increase in the Living Alone Allowance for those over 70 during the COVID19 pandemic.
The Fianna Fáil TD believes older people who live alone “are particularly vulnerable during this crisis as they are more at risk of contracting COVID19”.
“As a consequence, they have been asked to ‘cocoon’ during this period,” he said, adding, “This can be a very isolating and lonely experience as they are unable to see family or friends.”
Deputy O’Dea has called for the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection to increase the Living Alone Allowance for the next twelve weeks “to help off-set costs arising during this pandemic”.
The Limerick City representative noted additional expenditure could include the need for extra “phone credit or paying for delivery services for essential items”.
“This measure would be of great benefit to those over 70, living alone and solely reliant on a welfare payment as their only source of income. I hope the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection will look favourably on my proposal and provide for an increase in Living Alone Allowance during this period”, he concluded.
