Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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658. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to introduce additional supports to assist hard pressed senior citizens with the cost of living crisis; if he will consider the fact that the cost of food, heating, electricity and everything else is on the increase, including an additional two euros per day for meals on wheels that automatically wipes out the ten euros a week increase in the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61144/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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On Tuesday 7th October, I announced a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures for Budget 2026.

This package provided for a general rate increase of €10 across social welfare schemes from January 2026, with proportionate increases for those on reduced rates as well as Qualified Adults. This will bring the maximum personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) to €299.30 per week, and the maximum personal rate of State Pension (Non-Contributory) to €288.00 per week.

The €10 increase to State Pension rates represents a 3.46% increase in State Pension (Contributory) and a 3.60% increase in State Pension (Non-Contributory) when consumer prices have increased by 2.7% over the 12 months to September 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This rate increase will continue to assist in mitigating the impact of the sustained period of price increases for pensioners.

As part of Budget 2026, people in receipt of State Pension (Contributory) or the State Pension (Non-Contributory) will also receive a Christmas bonus payment in December 2025.

In addition, the rate of Fuel Allowance will increase by €5 from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026. This will provide an additional €140 during the annual fuel allowance season which will help to offset the impact of increasing energy costs.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.