STUDENTS, farmers, rents, people with disabilities, SNAs, pensioners and working families have been completely disrespected and left behind by the Government.
That’s according to Limerick Sinn Féin senator Joanne Collins, who pointed to students seeing their fees increased and farmers out on the street for Mercosur and Bord Bia as prime examples.
Renters too, she said, are looking at a market reset where their rents are going to increase if they change their accommodation under new legislation introduced on March 1.
“People with disabilities are fighting every day for basic rights, never mind anything extra. SNAs feel like they are not respected. The children in their classes are devastated at the thought of losing a SNA and the families of those children are wondering how they are going to get their child to school if the SNA cuts go ahead. It is not definite that they will not happen,” Senator Collins said in the Seanad.
The County Limerick politician took aim at the Government, who has said it is rolling back on them, but Senator Collins now wants to see definite policies put in place to protect SNAs and students.
“Pensioners are facing rising costs, including ESB bills, every day and every week. There is no help. There are no extra payments. They do not know how they are going to live from week to week. For working families, there are concerns about childcare, groceries, and ESB bills. The list goes on and on. It is like living in the Dark Ages at the moment because people are struggling so much,” she suggested.
Senator Collins also referenced an IFA meeting she attended in Cavan, attended by 900 farmers, who are furious with that they consider the “double standards” of Bord Bia’s chairman.
“They truly believe, I truly believe and the rest of this side of the House truly believes that there are double standards going on. When somebody who has responsibility for promoting Irish food and produce is importing Brazilian beef for their own company, there is a double standard and a clear conflict of interest.”