Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and our guests. I know we have been speaking about pensions and older people. I note that the guests spoke with Deputy Aindrias Moynihan about pensions and the three cores. Initially, that involved carers and so on. Do the witnesses agree that the current State pension level, which stands at approximately €277 per week, needs to be brought up to at least €338 per week, which is the minimum essential standard level, according to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, before bringing in benchmarking? This would ensure that benchmarking starts at the basic minimum living standard. I worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so I am very aware of the poverty with which it deals, particularly for elderly people. I am wondering about the witnesses’ thoughts on that.