SINN Féin Senator Paul Gavan has sharply criticised the Government for its decision to restore bonuses for senior bankers at a time when food banks in Limerick are struggling to cope with demand.
Speaking ahead of a Seanad debate on the Finance Bill the Castleconnell based politician referenced a report on RTE’s Morning Ireland on the unprecedented demand for food parcels that Mid-West Simon are dealing with.
“One volunteer with Mid-West Simon described how a woman with tears in her eyes asked her if she could have some porridge for her children. The volunteer asked with incredulity ,“How could it have to this?” Senator Gavan recalled.
The report also detailed how 2,000 children across Limerick and the mid-west are now dependent on food banks.
“Meanwhile the only banks our government are concerned with are the corporate banks that brought this country to its knees.
The decision to lift the ban on bankers bonuses in the year when they were found guilty of defrauding customers on tracker mortgages is a slap in the face to hard pressed families right across the country.
“These are the very same banks that have been closing branches across Limerick City and County for the past number of years. It’s further evidence, if any were needed, of how out of touch this government is,” Senator Gavan added.
