Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a clear commitment to improve the quality of life of older people. I understand that the Taoiseach was away on Government business for the last few days, so he might not be aware of media reports today that the Christmas bonus will not be paid to pensioners and social welfare recipients this year. Can the Taoiseach assure those who depend on this bonus that these media reports are untrue, unnecessary and unfounded? They are causing huge stress to people who depend on this payment. I have been inundated this morning with calls from people who have seen the reports in the media.

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