There has been an almost 50% increase in old age pensions in five years and a commitment to see the basic pension increase to at least €200 by 2007. It was raised to €127 by 2002. All old age pensioners recognise that this represents an increase of 24% above the rate of inflation, in addition to the increases and additional services that the over 70s receive, regardless of means tests, such as the medical card and other free schemes.