Govt votes down opposition motion on widows' cutbacks
The Government last night voted down an opposition motion calling for a reversal of cutbacks in the social welfare entitlements of widows.
The removal of disability, injury and unemployment benefits from people already receiving a widow’s allowance was part of the social welfare cuts introduced by the Government in last year’s budget.
Opposition parties had described the cut as mean and unnecessary.
Widows and widowers packed the public gallery in the Dáil during last night’s debate and many more were unable to gain access.
