Vile comments about social welfare ‘wasters’ display shocking ignorance

SIR, I thought long and hard before writing this letter but I’m now so angry and offended that I feel I can’t hold my tongue any longer.

So it was announced this week that social welfare recipients will receive a ‘Christmas bonus’ and this includes me as I am a carer to my seven-year-old daughter who has cystic fibrosis.

The news was announced on Monday and cue the immediate onslaught of vile, offensive comments about the ‘wasters’, ‘lazy people’ and those who ‘don’t work’ being looked after while those who have ‘full time jobs’ and pay their taxes are ignored.

I understand where the anger is supposed to be directed... to those who couldn’t be bothered working and probably never will. But it’s the sweeping statements and ignorant generalisations that make me so angry.

I, and probably any carer you ask, would gladly forfeit this controversial once-ayear ‘bonus’ to go out and work full time. I did it for 17 years until it just became unmanageable.

I and so many other carers would love a job where I can clock in and out and switch off at 6pm. A ‘job’ with weekends and paid holidays.

Instead, we have the health of our most cherished family members in our hands 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week – an overwhelming and often debilitating pressure that I would not wish on anyone. Take it from me, no Christmas bonus can compensate for that!

People are shockingly ignorant with their offensive comments and although the majority probably don’t really begrudge the ‘deserving cases’ a bonus, the vitriol spewed online is nonetheless apalling.

If anyone wants to swap my ‘job’ for theirs so they can get a poxy bonus one week in the year, please be my guest. Good luck with the other 51 weeks! People need to hold their tongue and realise not everyone receiving social welfare is doing so by choice - quite the opposite in fact. Sincerely,

Marisa Reidy,

Rathkenny, Abbeydorney.

Marisa Reidy and daughter Hanna.