The analysis of the 1997 Living in Ireland Survey, mentioned by the Deputy, was recently highlighted in a report prepared in 1999 by the ESRI for the National Council on Ageing and Older People. Wide-ranging in its scope, the report examines the causal effects of poverty and social deprivation among older people through a variety of dimensions and, as such, it is a valuable addition to the body of research on issues relating to the needs of our older people. It covers the period from 1987 to 1997 and, therefore, provides an informative, historical analysis for policy makers.
As the report points out, in income terms the position of older people disimproved over the ten year period covered. This is precisely why, on taking up office, the Government set ambitious goals in order to secure the future of our older people. Our Action Programme for the Millennium set a target old age pension rate of £100 by 2002. We are well on the way to achieving this with record increases in pensions rates over the last three budgets.
In 1997 the maximum rate of the old age (contributory) pension at £78 per week equated to 28% of average industrial earnings. From May 5th, at £96.00 per week it equates to over 30% which is working towards the 34% recommendation of the Pensions Board in its report Securing Retirement Income.
In last year's review of the programme, the Government committed itself to the early achievement of the £100 target for old age (contributory) pension and, furthermore, extended it to all social welfare old age pensions by 2002. In addition, over the lifetime of the Government, all old age pensions will increase in line with average industrial earnings.