Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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193. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the State pension and invalidity pension, given that there have been no increases in these since 2009, which is making it difficult for persons to survive on these incomes, given all the extra charges that have been added in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28474/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I was pleased to host the Department’s annual Pre-Budget Forum in Dublin Castle on the 3rd of July last. Thirty-seven community and voluntary groups participated in the Forum, which gives organisations representing the community and voluntary sector an opportunity to voice their views and priorities in relation to social welfare expenditure in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

The main business of the Forum was undertaken at six workshops facilitated by Departmental officials. This included workshops based around the themes of Poverty and Social Inclusion; Retired and Older People; and Illness, Disability and Caring. The issues raised at the workshops will feed into our consideration of the forthcoming Budget.

The appropriate rates of welfare supports in the year ahead, including payments made to older people and people with disabilities, will be considered by Government as part of its deliberations on the next Budget. In this regard, it should be noted that a €1 increase in the weekly rate of the State Pension Contributory would cost €20.5 million in 2016, while a €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3 million.