Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he has examined the negative impact of sharply increased living costs on widows and widowers; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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In recent years the Government has introduced a number of specific measures to benefit widows and widowers. With regard to those who are over 66 years, the Government had committed to bringing their rate of payment into line with that of the old age contributory pension. This was achieved through a series of special increases in recent budgets and the process was completed in budget 2004. The maximum rate of both old age and widowed pensions is €179.30 per week. Overall, since 1997 this payment has increased by €89.02 or 98%. The increase in the consumer price index over the same period was 30.7%. Payments for those under 66 increased by more than 70% in the same period.

Widows and widowers are also benefiting from the changes in the household benefits scheme announced over a number of budgets. Under these arrangements all persons aged over 70 years of age are entitled to the full range of benefits, regardless of their means or household composition. Widows and widowers with dependant children can benefit from the widowed parent grant, introduced in 2000, to provide additional assistance in the difficult time following a bereavement. The grant is valued at €2,700 and is paid in addition to the usual after death payments.

Increases in the rates of child benefit also benefit widows and widowers with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased dramatically. Since April, child benefit payments are €141.60 per month for each of the first and second children and €177.30 per month for the third and subsequent children. Increases in payment supports for widows and widowers have more than covered increases in living costs in recent years. I will continue to seek opportunities to improve their position and, in this regard, the various provisions for widows and widowers under the social welfare code will be kept under review in a budgetary context.