Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to increase the pension payment for elderly persons (details supplied). [29910/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Both of the persons concerned are currently in receipt of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory).  A weekly fuel allowance is also paid to the household during winter months.

The maximum rate of payment for State pension (contributory) was increased from €243.30 to €248.30 from 29 March 2019.

The Deputy will be aware that Budget 2020 was announced in October 2019 with a prudent approach to spending in the context of the UK’s imminent departure from the EU and its implications for Ireland.  Therefore, there were no increases to any weekly social welfare payments in Budget 2020, including State pensions.  However, there were increases of €2 per week to the fuel allowance and €5 per week to the living alone allowance, thus targeted at helping most vulnerable pensioners. 

The Deputy will also be aware of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Irish economy.  Consequently, there were no increases to weekly social welfare payments in Budget 2021.

Any further changes in the rate of payment for the State pension will be considered in the overall budgetary context as it applies at budget time.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.