Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to increase funding for the State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19523/24]
View answerTuesday, 11 June 2024
Questions (15)
Written answers
During the lifetime of this Government, as the Minister of Social Protection, I am proud to have introduced many improvements for pensioners and older people. As part of Budget 2024, I secured a €2.3 billion Social Protection package. This was, for the second year in a row, the largest Social Protection budget in the history of the State.
Post-Budget analysis from the ESRI showed that the package would insulate most older people from rising prices into 2024.
For the second year in succession, the State Pension increased by €12 per week and has now increased by €29 in the lifetime of this Government.
This weekly increase was part of a broader package, along with a wide range of lump-sum payments which were paid in late 2023 and into 2024.
These included supports for those living alone, and those in receipt of Fuel Allowance, many of whom are pensioners. In addition to this a double bonus payment was paid both at Christmas and in January, a time when costs are higher, especially for retired and older people.
In Budget 2023, I significantly extended the means limits for Fuel Allowance for those over 70.
Across my time in Government, we have seen very significant rises, across the board, in the rates of pensions, and secondary payments.
Decisions about Budget 2025 will be made in the coming months. In working with my Ministerial colleagues, I will of course continue to take account of independent evidence from the CSO, the ESRI and bodies such as the Minimum Essential Standard of Living Research Centre. As always, I will also listen closely to the views of Deputies in this house, the community and voluntary pillar, advocacy groups and other stakeholders in the run up to the Budget.