Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The reconfiguration and reallocation of funding for services are causing most distress to our elders, in particular, as well as to those in receipt of home care packages. A great deal of stress is being caused by bureaucracy in the making of cuts. I welcome the Minister's remarks about the old age pension. However, it was his choice of words that caused the furore. He said he could not give a commitment in regard to a €100 increase. Can I take it that he is ruling out a cut in the old age pension?