The Thaire Times and NTMABS Newsletter is now available for you to read.

Senator Eileen Flynn, today, 15th December 2020 launched our report, ‘Building the Box A review of policy, services, facilities and schemes with potential to improve financial inclusion from a Traveller perspective’. This report, authored by Dr Stuart Stamp, examines financial inclusion measures currently available in Ireland.

National Traveller MABS cordially invites to you the launch of our report Building the Box; A review of policy, services, facilities and schemes with potential to improve financial inclusion from a Traveller perspective.
By Senator Eileen Flynn, Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Travelling Community.

Ireland moved to Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 for 6 weeks on midnight 21 October 2020. A ban on evictions is in place for this period. If your landlord has given you a valid notice to quit (also called an eviction notice), the notice is paused while Level 5 restrictions are in place, and also for a further 10 days after the restrictions are lifted.

A total of €1,128 million is allocated to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in 2021. Additional funding will be given to existing supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19 such as the Credit Guarantee Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund and the Online Retail Scheme.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth allocation is €1.9 billion in 2021. Additional funding of €61 million is allocated to Tusla to reduce the number of children awaiting the allocation of a social worker.

An additional €4 billion is provided for health services to continue the COVID-19 action plan and increase long-term capacity.

Budget 2021 was announced on Tuesday, 13 October 2020. This document sets out the main changes in taxation, social welfare, health, housing, education, employment and other areas. It is an overview of the measures announced in Budget 2021.

A total of €3.3 billion is allocated to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for housing in 2021.

 Financial abuse is when a person controls the money of another person without their permission. It can take place in any relationship, and is often a hidden form of abuse.The two most common forms of financial abuse happen either to vulnerable elderly people or in domestic relationships. In some cases the abuse can be unintentional. In other cases it is a wilful act of control. Financial abuse in a romantic relationship is domestic abuse.

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Social Welfare Payments have been changed to a single payment every two weeks. It can be diffi cult to manage the single payment. Making a spending plan can help you feel more in control.

Are you worried about your gambling, or the gambling of a loved one? See below for some support services that are available.

Disconnections

Gas and Electricity Suppliers have confirmed that no disconnections will occur until June 16th.

The Government would be extending the Fuel Allowance season by four weeks - from Friday 10 April to Friday 8 May – in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CRU has already taken a number of measures to protect domestic customers including:

• increasing the emergency credit for gas prepayment
  meters from €10 to €100.
• issuing a moratorium on disconnections of domestic
  customers for non-payment. Read more: COVID- 19 Information for Energy Customers

As you know, we are facing a global health crisis with Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Irish government has given the public advice and instructions for what is going on, and how you and your family can stay safe and healthy.

Disconnections 

Gas and Electricity Suppliers have confirmed that no disconnections will occur until April 19th.

Notice for property owners who are due to pay Local Property Tax (LPT) on 21 March 2020. The date for payment of Local Property Tax has been changed to 21 May 2020. You do not need to contact Revenue if you are due to pay by Annual Debit Instruction or Direct Debit. The payment date will be changed automatically to 21 May 2020.

The imprisonment of a family member can have a major impact on the rest of the family, not only in emotional terms but also financially. It can affect social welfare payments and housing supports and can result in extra costs in travelling to prison visits and supporting the family member while they are in prison.

National Traveller MABS is a leading advocate for the financial inclusion of Travellers in Ireland. We have produced a guide for families whose relative is in prison and for support organisations.