Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ministers and officials.

I am sure both Ministers are aware of the recent report showing many older people are falling into poverty or are already living in poverty. We are living longer, increasing demand on social, health and pension services. Deputy Boyd Barrett also referred to this. When deciding how to allocate funds based on a budgetary perspective, what measure would be considered to alleviate poverty among the elderly and, further, mitigate the risk of more falling into poverty?

I take on board the Minister for Finance's statement that income standards had taken a step back. I fully agree with that. Fixed incomes are suffering most in the cost-of-living crisis. My question is for whichever Minister wants to answer it.