Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The budget provides for increases of between 3% and 3.8% in the basic payment rates next year. These increases are also in line with the wage rises agreed by the social partners in the second phase of the national pay agreement.

The maximum personal rates of payment for the State contributory and non-contributory pensions and State pension transition are being increased by €7 per week from the start of January 2009. State pensioners will also receive an extra €6.30 per week for a qualified adult dependant such as spouse aged over 66 years and an extra €4.70 per week for contributory qualified adults under 66 years.

The price of fuel is an issue of major concern for many people, but especially the elderly and the ill. I am pleased to announce the value of the fuel allowance is being increased by €2 to €20 per week, an 11% increase, with effect from January. The duration of the fuel season is also being extended — which is what many people asked for — by another two weeks from April 2009, bringing it to 32 weeks in total.

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