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Gilmore: Communion allowance cut to stop 'lavish' spending

The government spent €3.4 million on communion and confirmation allowances to people who needed help last year – but has announced plans limiting the payment to €110.

TÁNAISTE EAMON GILMORE has defended cuts in allowances for communion and confirmation payments saying that it is intended to limit ‘lavish’ expenditure.

The government is planning to cut the payment to a maximum of €110. Parents are currently able to apply for a payment of between €200 and €305 to help cover the costs of the religious occasions, which are held in the vast majority of primary schools in the country.

The cut has been criticised by the Society of the Saint Vincent de Paul who said it was “another cut for people who can’t afford it”.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, the leader of the Labour party said that €3.4 million was spent last year on 14,000 communion and confirmation payments.

“It is the view of the Minister, and something I share, that we have seen over the years a lot of very lavish expenditure in some cases associated with communions and confirmations,” he said.

Many parishes and schools are anxious to try and get the costs associated with the events under control, Gilmore said, and so  it had been decided to limit the payment to under €110.

“Hopefully this will try to limit” the expenditure, the Tánaiste said.

The Tánaiste was responding to a question from Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald who criticised the government for cutting the allowance, saying it wouldn’t just affect people on benefits but also the working poor.

The Sinn Féin TD said that members of the Dáil had claimed €6 million in expenses last year but the government was proposing to take the money “off the backs and out of the pockets of poor people”.

“A child still has to be dressed for an occasion,” she said

Gilmore noted that the payment varied widely by county. Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal had a total of 25 payments made in 2011 for communions and confirmations.

“This is about using the scarce resources of the public to the best effect” to ensure that the money spent on people in need goes to people who have the greatest need for it, he told the Dáil.

“Another cut for people who can’t afford it”

Spokesperson for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Jim Walsh said that the cut would put more pressure on families struggling to make ends meet.

“Unfortunately it seems to us that it’s another cut for people who very often can’t afford it,” he told TheJournal.ie.

“We find people who come to the Society tend to be just about able to manage on a week to week basis – but when occasions like communions, confirmations, a death in the family or going back to school comes up, they really struggle”.

“Then they have to make choices – they have to choose between putting food on the table or heating the home to help deal with the costs”.

“So we’re sorry to see it happen. It’s another additional cost on people and we expect it will bring more people to the Society”.

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131 Comments
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    Mute Declan Noonan
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:02 PM

    I can’t believe there was an allowance for this!

    359
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    Mute Michelle Holian
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:07 PM

    Neither can I! What other allowances are there that the public aren’t aware of? It’s a joke.

    223
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    Mute Jay funk
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:18 PM

    lots of similar schemes, but only for those who are single parents & long term unemployed. I’m Unemployed but because I work when I can usually 4/5 days a month & declare to be living with my partner (not married) I can’t enjoy any of these extra benefits, system is designed to make people not want to work and lie about their relationship with parents of their children.

    118
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    Mute Benjamin Guy Saunders
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:25 PM

    They should delete this insulting allowance altogether! Its ridiculous to think that the government subsidising this!

    165
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    Mute Jon S W Rainey
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:50 PM

    Wrong Jay, its actually open to EVERYONE, not just unemployed or single parents. Its a one off payment, and anyone regardless of status can apply.

    31
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    Mute Alex Simons
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:25 PM

    While I am relgious myself. I think the payment is crazy.. And the Church should also step in to the argument. I think what should be done is the same as in other countries where the school uniform is used or a simple white rob (same rob for all kids) . No expensive dresses and the focus is on the religous event … not the excessive spending on dresses.,,,, Esp not at the states expense. Its utterly crazy.

    73
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    Mute Lenbarry123
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:27 PM

    Wonder if you can get it backdated?

    48
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    Mute Geraldine O'Connor
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:36 PM

    Jon S W Rainey, this is only available to the unemployed on social welfare. Nobody else can claim this, even those on very low income.

    11
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    Mute horses for courses
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:49 PM

    Ridiculous allowance.Never knew it even existed.I wonder will he suggest a drop in the 3500 euro laundry allowance that Gilmore and Co get every year?
    Might need to start with that one Eamonn because thats even more ridiculous…………

    32
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    Mute Zvczv Derthyds
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:35 PM

    Can anybody list all the allowances on social welfare? or this information being kept in secret by Dept of SP. People pay taxes but do not know on what (beep) Dept of SP through them.

    17
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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:35 PM

    I couldn’t believe there is an allowance for TDs for laundering their clothes or for hairdressing but there is!

    15
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    Mute Phill
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 9:53 PM

    Utterly ridiculous. It should be scrapped completely. Under EU anti-discrimation legislation, is this open to families of other religions to pay for their ceremonial outfits?

    11
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    Mute franco
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 11:19 PM

    in the overall scheme of things its even harder to think that TDs are claiming up to 50000 a year expenses..

    4
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    Mute Bryan
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:13 PM

    Religion is a choice it should not be funded!

    255
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:08 PM

    If it needs to be funded ,then let the church fund it …

    69
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    Mute Neil Kettles
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:58 PM

    Seems to me that it discriminates against other religions! Id say they’d be better off abolishing it altogether! They’re leaving themselves wide open to be sued! Let the Roman Catholic church look after their own.

    34
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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:38 PM

    it is not a payment for religion, it is for special needs, any special need – it has never been specifically intended for religious purposes only. It is deceitful forf people to refer to this payment as a reglious payment.

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:47 PM

    Aisling ==” it is not a payment for religion, it is for special needs, any special need – it has never been specifically intended for religious purposes only. It is deceitful forf people to refer to this payment as a reglious payment. ”
    Read the following ———— e305 for secondary pupils and an equal payment for a
    Communion or Confirmation payable to persons on Social Welfare whose weekly income is not more than e150 over
    the weekly contributory pension rate.——http://www.patbreen.ie/2011/01/14/social-welfare-changes-budget-2011/ It does specify these two religious ceremonies ……..

    10
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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 6:43 PM

    D’oh – “the church” has been fighting lavish spending for years and has never asked the state to fund this. For example most parishes write to parents to specifically ask them NOT to give cards (with cash) to children within church grounds as its terrible pressure on all parents to do the same. Many parishes have tried to have a common alb (simple white smock worn over clothes) introduced. Its parents who insist on this. Parishes have been trying for years to have communions on a Sunday at regular Mass but parents go mad cause you can’t get a hairdresser on Sundays. The latest Irish guidelines for first communions suggest that they by held over all the Sundays of May – the families comes to Mass with the child on whichever Sunday suits them and they all come forward and receive communion together – again parents went mental about missing out on the big occcassion. There definitely shouldn’t be a fund for this, sacramental preparation should happen in parishes (including wedding preparation), and we should allow children be children on these occassions – not just an excuse for adults to party.

    23
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    Mute Barry
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:13 PM

    What the hell???

    People get money for this, you are kidding me?

    It shouldn’t be cut to 110, it should be cut to nothing,

    203
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    Mute Gerard Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:20 PM

    Grants to dress up your kids for the day – all part of the state sponsored Roman Catholic religious indoctrination of children in this country.
    FFS.
    Church State separation as soon as possible please.

    164
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    Mute Goldie Locks
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:18 PM

    Are they serious? Up to 300 quid per child for this nonsense! And are the non-Catholic kids entitled to anything?

    I worked for a while in a primary school with designated disadvantaged status. The children receiving confirmation were mandated to wear long smocks over their outfits in an attempt to lessen the ‘fashion parade’ effect. Not sure how effective it was but it was a step in the right direction. Mind you, the girls all still had the false tans, nails, lashes and professional hair and makeup! Glad to know my tax dollar was subsiding their glamour.

    140
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    Mute Shane O'Connor
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:02 PM

    WTF? There is a communion allowance?? And here’s me Self Employed, paying taxes (and countless stealth taxes) and if I pack it all in tomorrow I don’t get a single red cent. What a country!!

    126
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    Mute Síomha Connolly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:04 PM

    The self employed have been f***ed over in this country. they are the ones who worked and brought money and jobs into the economy and what do they get when things go bad? Nothing. No support whatsoever, financially or otherwise.

    People keep claiming that the “low-income earners” are the ones suffering but with all their payments they are doing alright compared to the self-employed who have lost everything to this recession and don’t even have basic social welfare payments to fall back on. What’s the point in working if this is how you are treated?

    75
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    Mute P Wurple
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:41 PM

    Good grief, the church should pay this for families who cannot afford it, not the state. There is no WAY a second hand dress costs 300 quid.
    What a ridiculous payment. Step one is slicing it down alright, but step two should be abolishing it completely.

    124
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    Mute Philip Keenan
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:49 PM

    Give them nothing
    Religion is your own personal choice, the state shouldn’t have to subsidise it

    124
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    Mute Carlin Ite
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:54 PM

    That would be the logical choice.

    32
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    Mute Heather McDermott
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:25 PM

    I am shocked that people can claim an allowance for this! How dare those politicians say we are ‘taking money from the poor’! People need to live within their means, not buy hugely expensive dresses/suits for children and have huge parties. SVP are clearly biased in their support of these events, but they should be encouraging people to have more moderate or appropriate celebrations. NOT spending what they don’t have in the first place. I am so annoyed to learn about this. why should my taxes pay for this non-essential allowance?

    120
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    Mute zulu zulu
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:24 PM

    Wow , this can happen only in Ireland….. No wonder we’re broke. This allowance shd be cut to zilch. the other day someone was telling me I could get disability allowance for Acne ….can I !!!!!!!!

    115
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    Mute Jane Forrester
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:46 PM

    The government wasted 3.4 million on this nonsense last year! How many teachers salaries or books would this have paid for? Things that would have contributed to the real education of the nations children. Or how many warm jumpers and shoes that those poor kids could wear every day, not just silly frilly fake mini wedding dresses to be worn once.

    110
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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:42 PM

    Giving state money to support any religion’s ceremonies is simply incompatible with being a Republic.

    Also parents know from birth they have 7 years to budget/plan for this so its up to them, and not the tax payer, to take responsibility to fund their child’s day out.

    The dependency mindset of ‘free money’ has to end.

    106
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    Mute gingerman
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:38 PM

    Anyone who puts children through this superstitious prehistoric nonsense, should fund it themselves

    104
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    Mute Hanly Sheelagh
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 10:55 PM

    Superstitious?

    3
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    Mute Joanne Ní Shúilleabháin
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 12:25 AM

    Prehistoric?

    2
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    Mute Darren McCormack
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:40 PM

    “another cut for people who can’t afford it”
    This is a joke. So because someone can’t afford to pay upwards of 305€ for communion wear, it is expected that the taxpayer should pay it. They are still getting 110€ which is still too much in my opinion.

    102
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    Mute Paul Moloney
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:47 PM

    €300 is ridiculous in a country that’s economically screwed. What next – a burka dry-cleaning allowance? I’ve seen girls in white frilly dresses riding around in _horse-drawn white carriages_ on their communion – it’s a bizarre, tacky, day of one-upsman-ship by people. Time to put an end to this nonsense.

    P.

    100
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    Mute Philip Bidnit
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:27 PM

    It is so reassuring that the majority of people who have commented on this are disgraced that this allowance even exists, and not that it has been cut. Next step: tax the Church!

    96
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    Mute Louise Roche Evans
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:19 PM

    My Daughter is church of Ireland and she will make her communion and confirmation in 6th class,all studying involved in receiving these sacraments is done outside of school hours,the emphasis is on the importance of the sacrament not the big White dress and the party that comes with it!

    94
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    Mute Aranthos Faroth
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:35 PM

    Awhh.. if they are cutting this then there isn’t much chance for a grant for Saturday night out! :(

    93
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    Mute Geraldine O'Connor
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:10 PM

    So Mary Lou is complaining about this as well… it’s just non stop with her.

    90
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    Mute Deirdre Farrelly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:47 PM

    This is appaling, i know were all struggling, but no one helps the self employed , the employed, the people as above being honest& not scrounging, with these kind of allowances.
    I rarely post here but this really makes me mad that there is such a grant and that most of us have never even heard of it.
    Im shocked that paye workers and all households are being increasingly taxed& yet theres money in the pot for this.
    Government might be better off opening donate shops for items the less well off cant afford, not just the unemployed , but all, where if im finished with a communion dress that was worn for one day, it can be donated& not sold on, but given on, likewise for baby products, prams, seats, toys, so much stuff that people no longer want & simply throw away.

    87
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    Mute Bernadette Dunne
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:07 PM

    @Deirdre Farrelly you are dead right but I think a small price be put on items to cover running costs or at the end of every month monies collected could buy fuel for people who are struggling
    That way let it work by helping a lot of people to get through tough times

    22
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    Mute Brian Condra
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:07 PM

    can I have a day out allowance with my kids? I’m atheist.

    83
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    Mute David Higgins
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:32 PM

    First Gilmore talks about reopening the Vatican embassy and now he’s maintaining this crazy and religion-specific payment. The man must go to mass every day :D

    This payment should be abolished today!

    81
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    Mute Lenbarry123
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:26 PM

    Gilmore happens to be an atheist.

    30
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    Mute Alan Campbell
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:41 PM

    If your Jewish can you claim for your Bar Mitzvah dress?

    80
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:18 PM

    I don’t see why not ! Don’t forget the children of Islam ,they also have their religious ceremonies , Also Pentecostal ,Church of Ireland etc etc…. While they are at it weddings are expensive …This is a ridiculous payment . Ban it now .

    42
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    Mute Louise Allen
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:14 PM

    Ah Eileen i didn’t even think of that! “I’m getting married in a church, It’s gonna be a big party, bouncy castle the lot! Got my white dress and all…now I’d like my grant to fund it please! No??” It’s basically the same thing!
    It would be a laughable practice if it wasn’t so f**king tragic. I can’t believe we’re funding this!

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:51 PM

    Louise
    I am absolutely shocked by this ….
    It must have been one of the best kept secrets, Having said, that I believe this grant should be abolished ,I also believe that the laundry allowance and the unvouched allowances for the Ministers should be abolished too. That too is wrong.

    17
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 12:47 AM

    I have amended my thoughts on this
    See Below

    2
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    Mute John Brennan
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:03 PM

    Totally agree with the government on this. This is a waste of money. I find it hard to believe such a grant exists. Why are we subsidising religious events in this day and age?

    79
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    Mute Jennifer Cox
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:14 PM

    So what about the other religions? Is there a Bar-Mitzvah allowance? This is ridiculous and exclusive.

    77
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    Mute Multi talentless
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:43 PM

    Don’t forget these :

    Job seekers allowance for the unemployable

    Free legal aid for career criminals

    Free drugs treatment & free travel for junkie drug dealers who have no intention of ever quitting

    Children’s allowance for children who are no longer resident in the state

    Social welfare benefits to people who are currently incarcerated in prison

    76
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    Mute John Buckley
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:17 PM

    Taxpayer’s money subsidizing the indoctrination of children into a primitive superstitious cult presided over by emotionally twisted and bitter old men living a life of luxury in palatial splendor. It could only be tolerated in fucked-up Catholic Ireland!

    74
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    Mute John Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:06 PM

    What idiot introduced this payment and who sought it?
    Those in Government that defend the payment of this ridiculous allowance make a mockery of their defense of more serious issues.

    73
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    Mute Carlin Ite
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:02 PM

    Joe Duffy referred to it as a special occasions benefit. Is it called special occasions benefit or communion benefit? Why not call it a birthday benefit. Everyone in the country gets 300 quid off the gov on their 8th birthday. At least that way religious people will then see it as ridiculous. Religion should be a personal choice and all state funding for religious ceremonies cut. If you want the church to give a definitive statement ask them to fit the bill for it. Then they will be preaching from soap boxes on every corner stating how stupid it is to spend money on such a ceremony. Silky white dresses have nothing to do with any of it. Shame on the church for letting it get out of hand.

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    Mute Saoilí
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:42 PM

    One more thing. The lavish spending associated with the day has nothing to do with religion.

    72
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    Mute John Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:09 PM

    Enlighten us Saoili. What has it to do with?

    19
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    Mute Louise Allen
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:11 PM

    You’re right the lavish spending is a societal thing but that doesn’t change the fact that there are families out there getting a government grant for a religious observance. It’s utterly ridiculous and unfair given other religious groups are not awarded this extraordinary privilege. It’s not right and it should be abolished.

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    Mute Gordon Lucas
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:45 PM

    Surely it would be more relevant to have kept in the Christmas double-payment if you’re bending to what parents believe they have to give their kids…. or perhaps a once-a-year-holiday money.
    The act of Communion in church *has” to do with religion, so it should be cut to zero as it is totally biased.
    Gilmore says he is trying to limit spending, which seems a bit odd in a recession. Or is he concerned that the religious festival ought to be more spiritual? – which is none of his business as a politician.

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    Mute Saoilí
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:03 PM

    “Enlighten us Saoili. What has it to do with?” Society and tradition mostly. Nothing in the bible, or the teachings of the Catholic church, ever said anything about white dresses or suits, fake tans or horse drawn carriages. I see no way to link any of that, any of the expensive stuff, to the ceremonies themselves.

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    Mute Gary Sétanta Heary
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:16 PM

    Now how are the scanger mothers supposed to get their daughters fake tans and big hoopy ear rings for the communion. But in all seriousness it seems that this is the only country in the world where you are paid to have a family, get no education, get no job, just live off the state.

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    Mute Danny McLaughlin
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:16 PM

    So there was only 25 applicants for this handout in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim last year?
    We can safely say that that number will be up to a thousand times more this year, seeing as no one had heard about it before.
    Well done Government. You tried to save money, but by advertising it, you’re going to cost the taxpayer even more money this year.

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    Mute Maeve Kelly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:45 PM

    Well said, I had no idea such a thing existed, nor did anyone I’ve ever come across…. Bunch of wallys

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    Mute Síomha Connolly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:11 PM

    Just FYI,
    You can get the same allowance for Confirmations too apparently:
    “A back-to-school payment of €200 for primary pupils, €305 for secondary pupils and an equal payment for a Communion or Confi rmation payable to persons on Social Welfare whose weekly income is not more than €150 over the weekly contributory pension rate.”
    http://www.nealerichmond.ie/know-where-you-stand/social-welfare/
    http://richardbruton.ie/your-entitlements/social-welfare/

    Back to school allowances I am fine with, that can be expensive and there is no choice in that. Confirmations and Communions are a choice, it is ridiculous that peole are being paid to do them, especially €300. Nothing in a communion or confirmation should cost anywhere near that much.

    The self employed are getting screwed in this country with no entitlements at all but yet there are people out there getting €300 to show off? Unbelievable

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    Mute Ben ben
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:08 PM

    My old suit is gone a bit tatty and I’ve a wedding coming up. Where do I apply for the allowance as it’s pretty much the same thing, no?

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    Mute Danielle Brookes
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:30 PM

    Are they for real!?! My ma worked several jobs, my da was in hospital and my ma went and got a loan from the credit union to pay for my dress! If kids want big gypsy style dressed that cost a fortune they should pay for it out of the hundreds of pounds they rake in on the day! It’s a religious sacrament not s fashion show down …. Bet there’s no barmitzva allowance!!!!

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    Mute Sinead Mc Cay
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:37 PM

    Have to disagree with a lot of post on here on this one. Children should absolutely not wear school uniforms for communion or confirmation. Catholic church needs to be separated from education! Communion and confirmation should be dealt with out of school by parents who want to do it. And the government should definitely not be giving grants for it!

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:42 PM

    I was up the Northside of Cork about 5 years ago and remarked to a girl in the shop I was calling to about the price of the dresses the 2 young girls were wearing for their communion. She told me that the dresses cost about €350 but that they would get it all back as they go door to door collecting for their “big day”. The girl told me that her niece had done it three weeks beforehand and had collected about €1100! I nearly dropped. They were calling up to people like it was trick or treat and people were giving them anywhere between €10 to €50. The girl also told me that the young ones parents only went to mass at Christmastime, Easter and the odd funeral or wedding. Oh and of course the big day out for the communion and confirmation.

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    Mute Damhsa Dmf
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:11 PM

    Parasites.

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    Mute sarah
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:26 PM

    I can’t believe there is an allowance for this! Is this a joke? This should be the first thing cut when there looking at social welfare cuts. Theses days communions/confirmations are a show of how much money people have or have borrowed with designer outfits, stretched limos etc etc. Its not about religion anymore. As heard on the Ray DArsey show they should all have to wear a school robe that the school provides so they look all the same. I would like to see the statistics of how many parents go to mass weekly that spend a fortune on these events. These days it seen that people are almost forced to have children, baptised, have there holy communion and be confirmed as there child would feel left out if they didn’t! religious should be toned down in schools with communion, confirmation be prepared and organised through the church not the primary school.

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    Mute Sarah Curran
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:55 PM

    i have a daughter making her communion this year and this is the first time I’ve heard of such an allowance. Im unemployed at the moment and could use some extra cash to help pay for the occasion but this is just ridiculous! can’t believe they have an allowance for a religious occasion! you would have thought this would have been cut years ago…

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    Mute Brian Rogan
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:27 PM

    If parents want to spend stupid money on stupid religious ceremonies, that’s their business, but why should it be funded by the taxpayer?? This country is a joke!!!

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    Mute Barry
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:15 PM

    Religion is a choice,

    if people expect the state to give them money for a communion should the state also give them money for a bible, Qur’an or whatever other religious text you should have for your faith?

    Would so many catholic family’s be so quick to say that other faiths should also get money as well, I’m betting they wouldn’t be, in this situation its either every faith gets money or nobody does.

    When it comes down to it church and state should be separate so nobody should get money for their faith.

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    Mute Niamh Byrne
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:42 PM

    Think its time the schools use 2nd class for something more useful and communion catechism is taught.after school as a choice and funded by the church and parents. the schools that continue to do communion should use the school uniform for the communion day.

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    Mute Carl Hammond
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:39 PM

    What a feckin joke this country is. Get out while you can!

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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 6:16 PM

    Carl, you might be in luck. Paddy Harte, FG, from Donegal might pay your way – he did offer to pay the fare home to Poland for the girl who wrote about the good times living on the Dole payments in Ireland. Worth a try – after all he will be able to claim it back in expenses.

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    Mute Siruao
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:14 PM

    absolutely feckin obscene – really made me cough on my cornflakes this morning – no wonder we can’t pay for anything with this crap..

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    Mute Brian O'Donnell
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 5:16 PM

    Many pupils across the country are wearing their school uniforms to their communion and confirmations..this is good practice on many levels! The tax payer should NOT pay for these celebrations. They are not a NEED!

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    Mute Louis Hemmings
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:54 PM

    would that reference to “confirmation” also include Church of Ireland citizens of the Republic? or is this only a sectarian grant? it should be completely banned or else given to all religious “big days out”,

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    Mute Louise Roche Evans
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:10 PM

    My kids are C.O.I in the south,confirmation is a very important sacrament to make but as far as I am aware there isn’t the same “hype”attached,making your confirmation in an evening is also done,in fairness to the catholic church they do not encourage the pomp and ceremony and teachers are known also to tell the parents no fake tan,manicures etc,it’s the parents of some kids that take the whole thing out of context

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    Mute Tigerisinthezoo
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:52 PM

    I thought the school kids wore their uniforms. Maybe the girls don’t but a dress and hair make up can’t cost 300. The gravy train will end.

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    Mute Barry
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:16 PM

    They generally wear uniforms for Confirmation, makes total sense as they go to secondary school the next year. A similar none supported setup should be created for communions.

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    Mute Shane Brehony
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:23 PM

    I see some schools get the kids to wear their uniforms and then the school buys gowns to go over them , so
    Everyone looks the same and these gowns can b reused

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    Mute Howard Cooley
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 4:00 PM

    Ban religion. No need for communion.

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    Mute Rory Byrne
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 6:04 PM

    Communion allowance? WTF?

    They still give out this stupid payment as they cut millions out of educational grants for students and decimate the health budget etc…

    Bizarre..

    Get rid of communions and confirmations altogether..

    Problem Solved..

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    Mute Deirdre O Keeffe
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 9:54 PM

    Eh, parents are usually given about 8 years notice for communion, should be plenty of time to siphon away some money for the occasion. This allowance should NOT exist!

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    Mute julie farrell
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 8:22 PM

    I just got married… That’s a religious ceremony. Where’s my grant? This is the MOST absurd thing I’ve heard.

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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Feb 6th 2012, 7:27 PM

    there is a grant towards newly married couples in Longford/Westmeath area – it is called the Charlton Endowment Fund and goes towards the sons/daughters of labourers who get married and apply for help

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    Mute David Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:27 PM

    Think Mary Lou was making the point fat cat TDs cost 6million in expenses last year in comparison and that’s allowed to go on, never mind countless other costs associated with being a free loading minister.
    While I don’t agree with the benefit it’s another case of going after the soft targets as is the hall mark of FG/Lab gov.
    When Enda and co take a 50% pay cut I’ll support them but more chance of a meteorite hitting Dail Eireann and doing us all a favour in one swoop! ;0)

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    Mute Multi talentless
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:01 PM

    Mary Lou is a fat cat TD too though

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    Mute Neil Kettles
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:42 PM

    Is this aid only available to Roman Catholics? Or can members of other religions claim too?

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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:46 PM

    Typical SF, more interested in defending hand outs that protecting working families

    Also no mention from her of her party colleagues spending $1.400 a night in luxery hotels in New York (http://www.independent.ie/national-news/from-working-class-to-first-class-sinn-fein-gets-a-taste-for-luxury-2966998.html)

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    Mute themamba1
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 11:41 PM

    Ah what, is that the end of the tiaras and the stretched limos then….. Wonderful country!!!!

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    Mute TheDublinGirly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 7:07 PM

    According to welfare.ie for the back to school allowanxe – ‘Your child must be aged between 2-22 on or before 30 September. ‘ I thought the mentally of paying for 2 year olds was to be stopped? How does nyone apply for this for a 2 year old without feeling shame.

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    Mute Seamus Moran
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:36 PM

    Is it true that there is also allowance or a subsidy for feeding for horses in this country?

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    Mute Gordon Lucas
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:48 PM

    Wow… hope so, it might end up being cheaper than a car :)

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    Mute Saoilí
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:37 PM

    I am torn on this one. I don’t think subsidy should exist at all. I don’t think the practice of spending huge amounts of money on these days should exist at all. But it does exist and reducing or removing the payments will not change the societal pressures these people feel to give their child their ‘big day out’. This strikes me as a symptom of a larger problem.

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    Mute the chap
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 11:03 PM

    Mary Lou – defender of the poor! Another joke handout at the taxpayers expense

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    Mute TheDublinGirly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 7:10 PM

    Also there’s a pyjama allowance – just madness.

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    Mute Dermot Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 8:28 PM

    Dermot Murphy
    Everybody try and share this with as many people as possible.We have a chance now.so lets all take it.Show these greedy fuckers we have had enough.

    D-DAY – BLOCKADE DUBLIN
    ‎22 February at 08:00
    Like · · Share · 46 minutes ago ·

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 12:45 AM

    You know what ; I have been thinking about this all eveningand I have decided that I was not correct in my previous comments .
    This is another divide and conquer strategey on the part of the government…

    This time ,they are lining vulnerable people up
    against other vulnerable people . This is a disgraceful attack on already
    poor people ,driving them further and further into despair .
    The only ones who should be ashamed here are the wealthy like Mr Gilmore and his
    equally wealthy cohorts.

    There is plenty of money in this country .
    5% of the citizens own 48% of the wealth . 1% own 219billion euros.

    The Tanaiste begrudges and denies little children their day in the sun.
    Who among us(Christian) does not remember their First Holy Communion
    with joy and remember the efforts our parents went to for us .

    Go ahead red thumb me now ,. :)

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    Mute Alan Campbell
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:45 PM

    I’m being sarcastic

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    Mute Shane Brehony
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 2:20 PM

    Love that and how anyone wouldn’t cop that

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    Mute Seamus Balfe
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 9:51 PM

    Anyone watch the programme about the travellers communions, ridiculous. Dresses that costs thousands and jewellery. They have all heard about these allowances along with more that we never heard of.

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    Mute Liz Wallace
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:30 PM

    I understand that some people go overboard but budgets have got so tight for family’s they cant afford basic weekly living with all the vat increases an €100 per house ,home owned might I add and now here we go again more cuts. I know every time you take up a paper or watch the news it seams to me cuts are always directed to low income family’s . Its unreal some family’s may have two children making there first holy what about the cost then an further more all you have to do is go into some of the shops an look at the prices,s of dresses an clothes you would not have much change left ….Get real”…

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    Mute Shane Brehony
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:39 PM

    If u any afford them don’t have them and plenty outfits in dunnes if u need something cheap

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    Mute Rocky Dennis
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:40 PM

    Go to Penneys or Dunnes like any other person and get a dress or suit for €25 for your child. Buy a cake and have a nice family meal at home with your relations. Why should the state subsidise your extravagance for your childs communion. It’s not about bouncy castles, fake tan and limos. Get a grip and cop on and save like everyone else….people like you make my blood boil

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    Mute Bernadette Dunne
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:52 PM

    @Liz Wallace I totally agree we do need to get real IF this allowance continues this really has proved that we have become a nation of givers and takers and thankfully I and my family are givers but this allowance gas given me a shock to say the least It is allowances like this and all the takers that have put more pressure on the givers( the hard working RAX payers) whom are really stressed to the limit so it is time to check and see what other allowances there and scrap more if them

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    Mute Bernadette Dunne
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:55 PM

    Oops should read ( tax payers…….

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    Mute Mick Duffy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:58 PM

    Religion is a choice so why should the State subsidise it, could the church not pay this and help to keep their ever dwindling number of followers happy 3.5M would be nothing to them. Can’t believe this payment exists.

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    Mute Heather McDermott
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:24 PM

    then let the church pay the allowances.

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    Mute Síomha Connolly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:50 PM

    Liz, are you honestly trying to say that anyone need €300 for a first communion? I did mine for free. Second hand dress, old shoes, no ridiculous bag, veil etc.
    That may have been 10 years ago but I don’t see what has changed.

    Noone should need 100 let alone 300 for this, at the end of the day to make your communion is a choice, not something that has to be done, and certainly not something that you should be given money for.

    You might need to be the one to “get real” Liz

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    Mute Niall FitzGerald
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 2:09 AM

    Holy communion, or any religious celebration for that matter, occurs after someone has made the CHOICE, or choice on behalf of their child, to join a particular religion – in the same way someone may choose to celebrate a particular birthday of their child or a non-religious milestone in their child’s life.. In this case can we expect funding from the government for equally trivial sweet 16 birthday celebration for a child of ours? The fact that today, in a supposedly secular irish society, we are funding religion as taxpayers, of any faith or no faith at all, is a joke.. It is no wonder that this country faces several more years of austerity and possibly another bailout.. If the poorer members of society choose to give their child a particular (non essential) religious upbringing, then they can make the sacrifice and choice to fund it with whatever financial aid they legitimately otherwise obtain from the state

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    Mute TheDublinGirly
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 7:00 PM

    Bet you didn’t know that there is a pyjama allowance? I kid you not ….

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    Mute Aurfur
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 1:22 PM

    Does not one cut the cloth to suit ones pocket? Is this payment exclusive to one faith or is it payable to all faiths for broadly comparable events. If not payable to all faiths then is it legal, morally right and not discriminatory?

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    Mute Ben ben
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 12:41 PM

    Why cut my post?? Free speech is dead!!

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    Mute John Delaney
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 5:15 PM

    Disgraceful, no wonder pavies have the most outlandish ‘costumes’ .
    Do Hindu and Muslims etc get the same allowance for their respective religions or is it only for the one that was beat onto us from primary. Priest asked me in boarding school if I prayed went to mass and took the sacraments?
    I was expelled on Friday evening and got one when I got home.
    I got a nickname that Friday evening in school ‘HONS’ cause I broke that fecking stick with my hands when he tried to beat me with it.

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    Mute Colm Mooney
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 9:08 PM

    if any of these cretins are serious about reform of social welfare heres a suggestion: issue everyone with pps number a smart card which could be used at point of sale similar to debit card; then if a person on benefits is entitled to say, clothing, footwear or fuel allowance or other such extras, they can use their card at till, the ammount spent is then debited from social protection direct to retailer. the department can assemble a list of retailers based on value for money, example school uniforms in tesco or dunnes that the card can be used in, doing away with arbitrary cash grants that bear no resemblance to value available, im working thankfully as is my wife and we outfitted our three children for school for under €100. there are also a number of small businesses that schools could contract to provide cresting services for jumpers, polo shirts etc. this process, would result in cash savings, administration improvements and the magnetic strip and a chip & pin system would enable the addition of all state benefits on this card, i.e. medical card etc. it would also be easy to update the card in the event of changes in claimants circumstances, just a thought from a voter!

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    Mute Peter McQuillan
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    Oct 1st 2012, 6:28 PM

    There are far too many allowances paid throughout the whole social spectrum from TDs to this ridiculous communion allowance. All these need to be cut as we are spending more then we are bringing in. That is not including the bond holder nonsense. Until we learn to live within our means there will be no improvement to our current situation. What is next a play station allowance?when I was growing up we had food on the table and clothes on our backs and when our parents could afford it we got treats. It seems that these days people feel that everyone should have the same in the playground, well sorry but that’s not the real world. Why should I struggle to work hard and pay my taxes for some else’s child to have a nice dress. If you can’t afford to look after kids then don’t have them cause I’m feed up paying for them

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    Mute Bernie Moore
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 4:59 AM

    Dis grant is made available for those who cannot afford to clothe their children on holy communion day and confirmation day!!! I don’t see this as an argument as to wether religious occassions shud be banned or not!! Granted there are people who go overboard and abuse they system and make it look bad and the tarring with same brush applies to everyone!!! There are in fact people living in this country who cannot feed their children let alone clothe them!!! And I can understand that tax payers are angry but no point getting angry at the poor and vulnerable!!! People have a basic human right to food clothes heat etc and this rights are being violated every day!!! This government are cutting people every day, it is cut cut cut!!!! Where is it goin to end??? Instead of getting angry against our peers why not get off yer arses and challenge the government!!! They are the ones benefiting from all this they claim that everyone has to suffer to bring us try this so called crisis!! They say that as they collect their 50,000 euro expense for sitting on their holes for a few days in the year, while people have are losing Their homes, living in The dark cos they can’t pay their electricity bills, freezing in cold cos they can’t afford fuel or warm clothes!! People goin hungry!!!People having to leave Their loved ones to try and find work in other countries! People taking their own lives because they can’t see a way out of the darkness!!! This is the reality of our proud Irish country!!! there is no reason in this day and age why anyone taxpayers r people on social welfare anyone shud have to live like this while the comfortable rich ones make the decisions that are ruining our lives and turning us against each other!!!
    People fought and died to get a vote and have our say!!! Why are we lying down and taking all this crap??? We are a nation of wingers who are al talk and will blame the next person!!! We didn’t take out loans upon loans!!! We are not bankers we are by bondholders so why shud we have to pay the penalties for their wrongdoings??? Is it fair????

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    Mute Síomha Connolly
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 8:17 AM

    Bernie, You seem to have completely missed the point in your rant. Who on earth needs €300 or €100 for one day that they don’t even have to do?! If they can’t afford it either don’t have a first communion/confirmation or if they really want one buy or borrow a second hand dress. That will cost you €50 at the max.

    There is no basic human right to a communion or confirmation. It is a choice to do it and no person should be given money for that, it’s not an essential.

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    Mute Bernie Moore
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 8:34 AM

    Haven’t missed the point at all!! It’s just another cut on the vulnerable!!! Holy communion and confirmation is only considered a choice if u in multi denomination schools!! And as for ” if u can’t afford to do it” If u can’t afford to buy food does dat mean u shouldn’t b able to eat!!! And I’m sure there are people who do pass down dresses and outfits! And why shouldn’t people who need the help get it!!! Catholic or otherwise!!! but do note that there were only 14000 of these payments If u check statistics I’ll more than likely see that there are a lot more families than that experiencing hardship!! But for the begrudgery of others and for reasons of pride don’t avail of this payment!!

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    Mute Síomha Connolly
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    Feb 3rd 2012, 9:19 AM

    Fine then Bernie, It’s my 21st in May. Can I have €300 for a new dress? I’m completely broke.

    Same thing

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    Mute Karen Spillane
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    Jun 12th 2012, 5:37 PM

    Bernie,

    You decided to have kids.

    You pay for the Communion.

    End of.

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    Mute Louise Kelleher
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    Nov 28th 2012, 6:08 PM

    Making a Communion is always a choice, regardless of what kind of school your child goes to. Nobody forces the children in a Catholic school to be involved in this.

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    Mute Eugene O'Leary
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    Oct 1st 2012, 5:17 PM

    A quote from Tanaiste, Eamonn Gilmore when talking about the cut in funding for first communicants: “This is about using the scarce resources of the public to the best effect to ensure that the money spent on people in need goes to people who have the greatest need for it”, he told the Dáil.
    When I read this quote at first, I though that he was referring to unsecured bondholders!

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    Mute Dermot O Reilly
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    May 5th 2015, 3:21 PM

    Gilmore is a “hasbeen”!

    He was always antiCatholic and anti-Faith.

    God bless him!

    Sad

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    Mute Louise Kelleher
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    Nov 28th 2012, 5:57 PM

    I realise I am commenting on this months after the event but I just had to have my say.

    I can’t believe how angry this makes me. I am shocked and appalled that such an allowance exists. In this modern day Republic of Ireland that we are supposed to inhabit, our Government are paying for people to participate in a religious event? Completely ridiculous. Religion is a personal choice. It is not a State dictated affair. We are not a purely Catholic country anymore and I am so glad of it. Apart from anything else, this is the height of discrimination towards non Catholic children. As many other people pointed out-where are the allowances for their religious ceremonies? I thought Church and State were widely viewed as being separate these days, quite ignoring the ongoing issue of school patronage, so why on earth is this allowed?

    A first Communion or Confirmation is not something that should be taken for granted as being part of a child’s education. And the existence of this allowance suggests that it is and that every child who goes to school in Ireland will be doing it. This is simply not true, and there in absolutely nobody who is going to force any child who attends a Catholic school to make their Communion. So essentially, our Government are providing an allowance for an entirely optional ceremony and one that doesn’t have to cost anything, might I add. Let the children wear their uniforms and let the Parish perhaps put on some sandwiches and tea for afters.

    I heard a story recently about a person who found their child eating the cardboard of a cereal box because they couldn’t afford food. And then you have people getting up to 300 euro for this frivolous day. Money that is given in allowances should be given to those who actually need it. I don’t understand the St. Vincent De Paul’s response to this either: I know they are a religious group but shouldn’t they be more concerned with providing people with their basic human rights rather than this?

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    Mute David Murphy
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 1:22 PM

    Thi

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    Mute Geraldine O'Connor
    Favourite Geraldine O'Connor
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    Feb 2nd 2012, 3:54 PM

    Indeed Mary Look is a fat cat TD. Her salary costs the Irish taxpayer exactly the same as any other TD

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