Madam, - Elderly home-makers deserve an individual old-age pension. They have as much right to be cared for by the State as have widows, widowers and former wage-earners. In the 1950s and 1960s they stayed at home to raise the family and could not accumulate stamps.
Not all are people of means. Many, now in their 70s, are frequently hungry, cold and almost destitute. For survival they depend on the generosity of others.
I am amazed that the advocates of women's rights are not constantly bringing the situation of their penniless elderly sisters to those in power and can only conclude that they, themselves, are unaware of the problem. The same may be true of the women in the Dáil and Seanad Éireann who may well assume that every woman of 70 years or more receives, at the very least, a non-contributory old-age pension. Maybe everyone should re-read Article 41. 2. 10 of Bunreacht na hÉireann. - Yours, etc.,
PÁDRAIG Ó CLÉIRIGH,
Port Mearnóg,
Co Átha Cliath.