Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the payment rates of all State pensions in 1997; the rate at the start of 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33836/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are three categories of State pension: State pension (transition) (SPT); State pension (contributory) (SPC); and State pension (non-contributory) (SPNC).

Maximum Rates of Payment – State Pensions 1997 and 2011

In 1997 these schemes were known as retirement pension, old age (contributory) pension and old age (non-contributory) pension respectively. From 1997 to 2009 (the last year in which the pension rates increased) the rate of pensions increased by 232%. The State pension (contributory) rate is 35% of average weekly earnings.