Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if in recognition of the role played by the State pension in reducing poverty among older persons and in view of the fact that for the majority of older persons the State pension and associated benefits are their only source of income, he will make a commitment to maintain the current rates in the upcoming budget. [40077/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Between 1994 and 2008 social welfare pensions increased by 148% while the Consumer Price Index for this period increased by 51%. Increases in the State pension (contributory) have brought the personal rate of pension to a maximum weekly rate up to €230.30 per week. A pensioner couple would be eligible for a weekly income of €436.60. These pension increases demonstrate the significant improvements which were made in real terms in pension rates. In Budget 2010, the Government avoided any cuts in the State pension. Weekly rates of payments to pensioners (those 66 and over) were not reduced and neither were other supports such as the household benefits package which includes the free TV licence, electricity/gas allowance and telephone allowance. The living alone and over 80 allowances were also retained at existing levels.

I have been engaged in an intensive round of consultations with a wide range of welfare representative organisations and I am listening carefully to their views. In an uncertain international environment, my priority will be to ensure that the overall Government strategy is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead. It is important to stress that, at this stage, no decisions have been taken either by me or by the Government with regard to the forthcoming Budget.