Abolishing Christmas bonus is 'mean and shameful' says Gilmore

Posted on November 11, 2009 at 04:05 PM

For almost 30 years the Christmas bonus has made Christmas for its recipients and following last April's emergency Budget this payment was abolished and in the coming weeks its removal will be keenly felt.

The loss of the Christmas bonus was raised today during Leaders' Questions by the Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore TD who asked the Taoiseach if the Government has had a change of heart on the payment given that many pensioners have been encouraged by Government backbenchers who have been telling them there will be a change on this issue before Christmas.

However, the Taoiseach's response has shown this not to be the case.

Calling the Taoiseach's response 'mean and shameful' Eamon said: "The Taoiseach's reply contrasts sharply with his more sympathetic approach to the golden 10 yesterday. They get all the comfort from the Government but pensioners, who worked hard to make the country what it was before Fianna Fail made a hames of it, are told they will not receive the small payment which made Christmas worthwhile for many of them."

Eamon's full contribution can be viewed on the accompanying video and you can read the full exchange on the Oireachtas website.

We want to know what you think about abolishing this payment, do tell us in the comment's section below.

Tagged with Social & Family Affairs