*Petition Demand To the Irish Government To Stop It's Budgetary Concentration On Social Welfare Recipients: We seek One Million Signatures;* The International Monetary Fund, which forms part of the Troika, told the Government last September to cut the old-age pension as well as the minimum wage, social welfare payments and child benefit as part of a range of measures to reduce the budget deficit. According to senior government figures familiar with the budgetary process, recent Labour demands for a softer Budget have been deemed "unrealistic", given the necessity to meet targets laid down by the Troika. They say particular focus has been turned on reducing so-called universal payments which come under the control of Social Protection Minister Joan Burton. The Irish governments continues to Troika's demands despite the great hardship it is causing to the poorer sections of Irish citizens which the irish government were voted to represent. New budgetary plans to cut vital aid to the poorer and working classes in Ireland is nothing short of a disgrace. Up until now the Irish people have cooperated with Government Austerity programs. What is now clear is that these programs while ignoring the rich are placing an impossible burden on the poor as well as the working class in Ireland. The International Monetary Fund, which forms part of the Troika, told the Government last September to cut the old-age pension as well as the minimum wage, social welfare payments and child benefit as part of a range of measures to reduce the budget deficit. While details of the proposed cut to the old-age pension are not yet finalised, it is estimated that a €10 a week reduction across the board would realise a saving of between €250m and €300m. According to senior government figures familiar with the budgetary process, recent Labour demands for a softer Budget have been deemed "unrealistic", given the necessity to meet targets laid down by the Troika. They say particular focus has been turned on reducing so-called universal payments which come under the control of Social Protection Minister Joan Burton. and those reciving social welfare which is barely meeting their living requirements. It is now time for all on social welfare, minimum wage as well as pensioners to make our voices heard in the chambers of the Dail. We urge you to sign this petition as well as to write to Minister Bruton stating that the pensioners and social welfare recipients will no longer accept this oppressive and unjust burden. We urge you also to contact the Minister expressing your objection to further Social Welfare cuts across the board. Here is her contact details: Minister Bruton Dáil Éireann, Dublin 2. Office Phone: (01) 6184006 Fax: (01) 6184175 Email: constituency.office@welfare.ie