Vol. 511 No. 2
128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will substantially increase widow's and contributory and non-contributory old age pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23880/99]
In our Review of An Action Programme for the Millennium this Government has firmly committed to the early achievement of an old age contributory pension rate of £100 per week and, furthermore, to extend this £100 commitment to all social welfare pensioners by 2002. We have also committed to increasing all social welfare pensions in line with increases in average earnings over the life time of the Government. The question of specific improvements in social welfare provisions for old age pensioners – as for all social welfare clients – in budget 2000 is currently being considered by Government.
129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will extend pro rata pensions on a pro rata basis to persons with less than five years' contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23881/99]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 30 on Wednesday, 17 November 1999.
