Vol. 506 No. 2
315 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the timetable to achieve the Government's commitment to give State pensioners a minimum of £100 a week; and if he foresees early implementation of this commitment. [15161/99]
An Action Programme for the Millennium sets out the Government's intention to recognise the contribution made to society by older people, by bringing the old age contributory pension up to £100 per week over the lifetime of the Government, that is, by the year 2002. Significant progress has already been made in this regard. In the two budgets since taking office, the Government has moved half way towards achieving the £100 target rate. The personal rate of old age contributory pension has been increased by £11 to £89 per week while the rate for a married couple has been increased by £15.50 to £148.90 per week. The personal rates of all other payments to older people have also been increased by the same amounts during this period.
The question of future increases in pensions, including the timing of these increases, are matters for consideration in a budgetary context, in the light of available resources and having regard to the Government's other priorities.
