Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to safeguarding the State pension in budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/10]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to maintaining the value of the State pension at current levels in 2011. [40052/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 93 together.

Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on State pensions, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.