Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We are continuing with that scheme. It is only fair to say that because of the difficulties we face, unfortunately, it is not possible in the present situation to provide universal entitlement in respect of all of these matters, as was the case in the past. The great majority of the advances we have made for the elderly have been protected in the budget and can be protected for the future. We can say that, and we can point to real improvements both in terms of the extension of age exemption limits in regard to increasing the pension and the supplementary entitlements. All of those benefits have been quite rightly provided to the elderly.

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