Irish pensioners fury over new taxes

Previously "untouchable" state services get cuts

Savage cuts to a host of previously “untouchable” state services are now being actively considered by the government as a result of Ireland’s dire financial position.

Following the government’s controversial clampdown on pensioners last week, which has deeply angered thousands of retired workers, and this week was described as having descended into a state of fiasco, Public Expenditure Minster Brendan Howlin and his department are now considering a host of new cuts to services to the elderly and schoolchildren as well as the sale of state assets.

The nature of the cuts, proposed in a new report drawn up by the Central Expenditure and Evaluation Unit (CEEU) in Howlin’s department, seen by the Sunday Independent, have been described as “politically toxic.”

The report, which has yet to go to Cabinet, says that “strong political direction” will be needed to bring urgent completion to the rationalization and abolition of state agencies.

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Nster.com