David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

The Minister is referring to additional costs. Can he give us the full cost to the Exchequer of those rates? What is his opinion on the report from the Pensions Board, which has recommended that the State pension be increased to 40% of gross average industrial earnings? Is the level of the State pension currently about 32% of gross average industrial earnings? Will the Minister comment on poverty rates among pensioners with regard to income and other social transfers? What plans does he have to address poverty among older people?

See this speech in context