Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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13. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to reverse the cuts made to pensioners since 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1218/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The key achievement of this Government has been to stabilise the nation’s finances, to increase employment and to achieve economic growth. This endeavour is well underway and we are already reaping the benefits of these policies, including the ability to invest in the improvements I have announced over the last two years in welfare supports.

One of the key Government’s commitments made in 2011 was to maintain the value of the core weekly welfare rates, including rates for pensioners, while at the same time providing additional welfare funding to cater for the ongoing rise in the number of pensioners. We have delivered on this commitment.

In addition, I reintroduced a Christmas Bonus payable at 25% of the weekly rate in 2015. The Bonus had been abolished by the previous Government in 2009. In Budget 2016, I was pleased to be in a position to provide a 75% Christmas Bonus payment for all welfare recipients. This means that a contributory pensioner couple (both aged 66 and over) received a bonus of €327.45 last December.

Weekly personal rates of payment for all those aged 66 and over increased by €3 per week from January with proportionate increases on qualified adult rates. These increases build on the increase in the living alone allowance I announced in Budget 2015. In addition, all of those eligible for the Fuel Allowance, including pensioners, gain from the increase in January of €2.50 per week, from €20 to €22.50 per week over the fuel season.

Funding for the Free Travel scheme, which benefits a large number of persons with disabilities, carers and pensioners, is being increased by €3m, from €77m to €80m, to meet increased numbers eligible for the scheme and therefore fully protect entitlements under the scheme.

The Respite Care Grant, now renamed the Carer’s Support Grant to better reflect the usage of the grant, is being increased by €325, from €1,375 to €1,700 per annum. Furthermore, payment of Carer’s Allowance will be extended by 6 weeks, from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, after the death of the care recipient. These payments directly benefit full time carers including many who care for pensioners.

Last year – much quicker than most economists had expected in 2011 – we were able to introduce a Budget that began the process of raising living standards and reinvesting in our communities, families and older people. We have kick-started the social recovery. We are continuing that process this year.