Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:53 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is committed to increasing the basic State pension to ?200 by 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17913/03]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
As the Deputy will recall, the budget last December provided for a €10 per week increase, from €134 to €144, in the rate of old age non-contributory pension. This was a significant first step towards the achievement of the commitment contained in the Agreed Programme for Government to increase the rate of the basic State pension to €200 by 2007.
Since 1997, social welfare payments have been substantially increased in real terms. Over this period, the rate of old age non-contributory pension has increased by 68%, a real increase, ahead of inflation, of 33%. This level of increase represents an enormous improvement in the living standards of our older citizens.
Looking ahead, my priorities for budget 2004 will include making further progress towards implementing the commitment outlined above and since reiterated in Sustaining Progress, having regard to available budgetary resources.