Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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663. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his views on his Department increasing the allowance for pensioners over the age of 80. [51926/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Over 80 allowance is an increase of €10 per week on the basic pension rate, which is automatically awarded to qualified pensioners on attaining 80 years of age. Those aged 80 or over in receipt of the Carer's Allowance will also receive the Over 80 allowance. Only one such allowance is payable in respect of each primary payment. At the end of August 2025, 203,469 people were in receipt of this payment.

There are also a range of secondary payments available to pensioners, where applicable:

• A pensioner who is living alone can receive the Living-Alone Increase of €22 in addition to the primary social welfare payment.
• The Free Travel Scheme is available to people over 66 years, to carers and to people in receipt of certain disability type payments.
• The Household Benefits Package is a supplementary payment to assist with the cost of electricity or gas bill. It also includes a TV licence.
• Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of home heating during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household.
• Telephone Support Allowance when a person is in receipt of a qualifying payment AND the Living Alone Increase AND the Fuel Allowance.
• The Increase for Living on a Specified Island - or Island Allowance off the coast of Ireland - is an increase of €20 in the weekly rate of certain social welfare payments.