Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding pension cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24054/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department in the years ahead will be considered in the context of Budget 2012 and subsequent Budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates.

Sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for future economic stability and growth. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure in 2012 and in later years.

There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services, including those for pensioners, operated by my Department. This process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.