Mobility allowance

Sir, – Officials in the Department of Health have decided not to pay out an allowance that is due to some people because it “…

Sir, – Officials in the Department of Health have decided not to pay out an allowance that is due to some people because it “would create liabilities that the State cannot afford”.

Can the same logic now be applied to the Anglo debts? – Yours, etc,

PAT DUFF,

Croydon Park Avenue,

Marino,

Dublin 3.

A chara, – Naturally the Government cannot pay Irish citizens their mobility allowance. Bondholders come first. – Is mise,

Rev PATRICK G BURKE,

The Rectory,

Castlecomer,

Co Kilkenny.

Sir, – The argument being put forward by the Department of Health could also be used to support the argument that “I had to shoplift because it’s too expensive to obey the law.”

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This is a further example of the dysfunctional nature of the Department of Health. – Yours, etc,

PADDY McGARR,

Monread Close,

Naas,

Co Kildare.

Sir, – Due to the increasing longevity of our citizens and consequent cost to the exchequer, the Government might consider raising the age for the presidential cheque from 100 to 110. That would also save a few bob. – Yours, etc,

DAPHNE GUTHRIE,

Cross Kilmeena,

Westport,

Co Mayo.

Sir, – The Department of Health is unable to pay the mobility allowance to those over 66 years because it cannot afford to do so. The State is, apparently, legally obliged to pay these allowances. The Government is currently seeking legal advice on the matter.

On October 20th, you reported that Joe Higgins TD is now entitled to travel around the country urging people to break the law and that the taxpayer is now obliged to pay his expenses (“Higgins entitled to rally expenses”, Home News). This is apparently in accordance with the legal advice received from the Attorney General.

Am I on the right planet? Beam me up, Scotty. – Yours, etc,

JOHN S BURNS,

Military Road,

Killiney,

Co Dublin.