The Federation of Irish Societies in Britain has published the “FIS Guide to Setting Up an Elders’ Lunch Club”. It looks like a great resource for groups interested in enhancing the lives of elders. The handbook notes the benefits of a lunch club are extensive: A lunch club, not only allows organisations to improve their… Continue reading FIS publishes guide to elders’ lunch clubs
Category: social welfare
State checking on pensioners abroad
The Department of Social and Family Affairs is contacting 8,000 pensioners abroad to ensure they are still alive, the Irish Times reports today. There are 35,000 people living outside of Ireland who receive the contributory pension, according to the paper; the contributory pension is made to eligible people 66 or over who have paid social… Continue reading State checking on pensioners abroad
Over 1600 Irish refused benefits under HRC
There were 1,629 Irish citizens and returning emigrants that have been refused welfare benefits under the habitual residency condition, according to a report by Carl O’Brien in today’s Irish Times. Emigrant Advice staff member Joe O’Brien says that the situtaion is detrimental to those intending to return: “It’s something that needs to be tackled immediately… Continue reading Over 1600 Irish refused benefits under HRC
“Irish Prisoners Abroad” published by DFA
A report highlighting the status of Irish prisoners abroad has been written by Chris Flood for the Department of Foreign Affairs. According to “Irish Prisoners Abroad”, there are about 800 Irish prisoners abroad, although Mr Flood recognises that this estimate is likely to be on the low side, as not all prisoners are known to… Continue reading “Irish Prisoners Abroad” published by DFA
New moves on free travel for older emigrants?
Older emigrants living in Britain may soon be getting access to free travel in Ireland, according to a report in the Irish Post. The newspaper reports that leading politicians have promised that the issue is being prioritised to be addressed when the Irish Government reconvenes after the summer holidays. Emigrant advocates have been campaigning on… Continue reading New moves on free travel for older emigrants?
Returning Irish being refused benefits
The issue of emigrants are being refused benefits under the Habitual Residence Condition needs to be addressed says Éan member agency Emigrant Advice in today’s Irish Times. The paper reports that Brian Flynn, director of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, “said appeals officers were concerned at ‘the deteriorating standards of decision-making and poor quality of file presentation’ by… Continue reading Returning Irish being refused benefits