Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am trying to highlight the fact that the cost of everything is increasing and we need to review the schemes in that context. People are finding it difficult to pay their bills, especially those on lower incomes. Many pensioners are solely reliant on the State pension of approximately €258 per week. I ask that the Department would review the allowances in the context of costs going up. Many people are cutting costs to try to cover other things and this needs to be looked at in that context. I acknowledge that the TSA provides €130 towards the cost of a telephone but it is €504 for a landline. I also acknowledge that the living alone allowance was increased to €19 per week, which is great, but there are still people in very difficult circumstances.