Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding financial cuts in respect of retired persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45952/12]
View answer324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will not cut child benefit money at a time when persons are struggling to make ends meet (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45786/12]
View answer367. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a Budget submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46336/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 301, 324 and 367 together.
The Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure in 2012 of nearly €2.08 billion on child benefit or 10.1% of total expenditure, and nearly €6.26 billion on pensions or 30.4% of total expenditure. The Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012 – 2014 published by Government last December provides for additional new expenditure reduction measures of €540 million to be achieved in Budget 2013. Reducing overall expenditure in 2013 and beyond in line with these targets will be very challenging. In this regard, I held a pre-Budget forum on Friday 12th October. This was attended by thirty community and voluntary groups, including Age Action Ireland and Active Retirement Ireland. I listened carefully to the groups' views and proposals in relation to the forthcoming Budget and will consider all submissions made to me in relation to the Budget. The Government will consider the appropriate level of expenditure on child benefit and pensions in 2013 in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The outcome will be announced on Budget Day.
