Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
471. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter in relation to the upcoming Budget 2022 and pensioners who have not received an increase in their payments in the past few budgets or during the pandemic for fuel (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43365/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I will be considering a range of options for Budget 2022 over the coming weeks, taking account of available resources.
While core rates for pensioners remained unchanged in Budgets 2020 and 2021, a series of targeted measures were introduced which sought to protect some of the most vulnerable groups, including pensioners.
In recognition of research which indicates that those who are aged 65 years and over are more likely to be at risk of poverty, deprivation and consistent poverty if they live alone, the Living Alone Allowance was increased by €10 per week over the course of Budgets 2020 and 2021. This brought the rate from €9 to €19 per week.
To take account of increased costs arising as a result of increases to the carbon tax, the Fuel Allowance was increased by €2 per week in Budget 2020 and a further €3.50 per week in Budget 2021, raising the weekly rate of payment from €22.50 in 2019 to €28 currently.
These measures mean that, while the general pension payment rate did not increase, a pensioner living alone could be €15.50 per week better off during the fuel allowance season. In addition, on a once-off basis in 2020, the fuel season was extended by four weeks, in recognition of the fact that many people were spending more time at home due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
In considering options for the forthcoming Social Welfare Budget package, I will, once again, be guided by pre-Budget submissions from a range of advocacy groups, including those in the community and voluntary sector, and evidence-based research produced by organisations such as the CSO, the ERSI and the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice.
