Mayo woman's election plea on behalf of the squeezed middle

A MAYO woman has made a strong general election appeal on behalf of hard-pressed middle-income earners 'who are fleeced to the hilt.'

In a thought-provoking Facebook post entitled 'Snapshot into middle Ireland – Does it pay to work?', Elizabeth Fair gives a revealing glimpse into life for the middle income group in Ireland, otherwise known as the squeezed middle (paying for everything and getting nothing).

The Ballina resident stated: "I have outlined a number of issues to think about in the upcoming election.

"For any candidate reading this, what are you going to do to make life better for those of us who get up early in the morning to keep the whole show on the road?

"Most couples, particularly in rural Ireland, are paying a mortgage on their home.

"They need to keep two cars on the road if they both work which is very expensive in fuel, maintenance, road tax (particularly for those who drive a pre-2008 car because we can’t afford to upgrade) and insurance.

"We pay for every visit to doctors, dentists, opticians and any medication prescribed.

"We need to keep our children clothed and fed, pay for exam fees, school costs, etcetera.

"We don’t qualify for a medical card but need health insurance, which has soared, should we become ill.

"We try to show our children that it is important to work and contribute to society.

"But is that really the best option at the moment?

"There is no break for the working person. We are fleeced to the hilt."

Ms. Fair made the point that she has been working for the past 32 years paying into the national coffers through an income tax system which supports many in society.

"Yet, come next September, I will have to pay through the nose to support my own child in third level - but for all the early mornings, late evenings, hours work as a dedicated worker, there is no support for me or my family," she argued.

"This is a grossly unfair system and is causing severe hardship and worry to the parents of middle Ireland who are working so hard to give their offspring the best possible chance at life by giving them a good education.

"Threshold for third evel grants is far too low at €55,000 gross.

"If there are two parents working and earning the average industrial wage which is €47,000 each (€94,000 total) their take home pay is €70,484.06. Most people’s wages are well below this.

"Two parents earning €35,000 gross each have a take home pay €29600 each which adds up to €59,200 in total.

"Two parents working earning €27,500 gross each (cut off for SUSI grant) have a take home pay of €23,640 each, bringing their net income to €47,280.

"Many people are giving up work so that their children will qualify for a grant. It is very difficult to keep a child in college and maintain a home and pay all bills no matter how careful parents are.

"Those who do not qualify for a grant pay approximately €3,000 as a contribution to the college as well as rent for their son/daughter which ranges from €6,000 - €9,000 per year depending on location.

"That is before putting a scrap of food on the table. Most degree courses are studied over a four-year period which means that parents are out of pocket by €9,000 and €12,000 per year or by €36,000 to €48,000 in total over the duration of the course per child.

"I believe that children’s allowance payments should be directly related to school attendance and that back-to-school allowances should be paid directly to the school rather than as a cash payment so that it is spent as it should be i.e. to support the children in education.

"At the moment when a child turns 18 years of age the children’s allowance is discontinued even if the child is still in full time education.

"I would suggest that children’s allowance should be paid for students in third Level education up to 22nd birthday.

"Alternative proposal regarding funding of third level would be through revenue after students have graduated.

"In summary for the working person or couple who have children in Ireland, being paid through the PAYE system, there is nothing left at the end of the week when all bills are paid.

"Whether its childcare when the children are small or third level expenses when they are older – the money pot is empty," she added.