Struggling to survive

“I’ve paid taxes all my life and now I have nothing to provide for my family.”These were the angry words expressed to Sinn Féin Councillor Daren Lalor by a former self-employed construction worker in Inishowen who has been informed he was not entitled to any State assistance despite being out of work for over a month.Councillor Lalor said it was “imperative” the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, immediately addressed the plight of families like this who were “falling through the cracks” existing in current social welfare provisions.Cllr Lalor said: “In recent weeks the Inishowen Sinn Féin Advice Centre has been contacted by a number of individuals from the construction industry who have had very little work since the early part of the year and who face an uncertain future after the builders’ holidays.” “The reality is that despite the perception those in construction made a fortune over the last few years, the truth is the majority of those with C2’s or paying 35% tax were not making huge profits – most worked for a weekly wage.“Since the early part of the year Inishowen has seen a major downturn in this sector, with many working only two or three days a week or not working at all. “Those who find they can no longer meet mortgage and car repayments or provide for their families have been forced to apply to the social welfare for assistance. Unfortunately for those who held C2’s or paid 35% tax there is no assistance to be found.“As self-employed persons could not legally make PRSI contributions for themselves they are not entitled to apply for any benefits. They can only apply for jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment.“Means are assessed on earnings over the previous 12 months and also the income of a spouse or partner. Many are being refused payments on this basis and are struggling to survive as any savings have been used up and it is impossible to pay mortgage, car repayments, and food and utility bills on a single income, particularly where it is the income of someone working part time.“Frustration is growing amongst those who contributed considerably to our economy over the last decade yet are now being treated with contempt by our government.“The situation in construction isn’t showing any sign of improvement in the near future. Already we are starting to witness emigration and if the Minister does not intervene, then many more will be forced to leave their families.“Unfortunately, we have only to look at the larger queues at the social welfare and community offices that indicate the severity of the unemployment situation in this county.“The government needs to respond immediately with initiatives such as extending the Back to Education allowance to those in low-skilled work and industries such as construction where opportunities are being reduced by the day or introducing the construction of social housing schemes by local tradesmen registered as unemployed. “Whatever is decided by the Government it needs to be immediate, as it is not acceptable that so many families are falling through the cracks existing in current social welfare provisions.”