The Retired Workers’ Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for the complete abolition of the Universal Social Charge and the repeal of FEMPI legislation in its pre-budget submission.

The committee’s submission states that the decline in pensioners’ disposable income must be reversed, and calls for the full restoration of the Christmas bonus to the state pension, the restoration of the household benefits package, an increase in the living alone allowance and the abolition of prescription charges. It also calls for the full restoration of medical cards for those over the age of 70 and for all persons with urgent medical needs.

The submission also calls for public transport to remain in public hands, and for no further closures of Garda stations or post offices.

You can read the full submission HERE.