Taoiseach confirms no Christmas bonus for pensioners

11/11/2009 - 11:31:24
The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has confirmed that there will not be a u-turn on the decision not to pay the pensioners a Christmas bonus this year.

It was announced in the Emergency Budget last April that the bonus - paid every year since 1980 - would be scrapped.

The Taoiseach said the "money just isn't there" when questioned on the issue in the Dáil this morning by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore.

Mr Cowen said: "In other times, we've been able to increase rates and provide for further supplementary payments. We are clear in the view at the moment that the availability of another €223m is not possible in the present circumstances."

Mr Gilmore said: "I think it is mean and I think it is shameful, Taoiseach."

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