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Pension Provisions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004

Wednesday, 10 November 2004

Ceisteanna (153)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he intends to increase pensions for widows and widowers in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28459/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In recent years, the Government has, apart from significant increases in rates of payments, introduced a number of specific measures to benefit widows and widowers. In 2000, the widowed parent grant was introduced to provide additional assistance to those with dependent children in the difficult time following a bereavement. The grant is currently valued at €2,700 and is paid in addition to the usual after death payments.

Increases in the rates of child benefit are also of benefit to widows and widowers with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased dramatically. Since April, child benefit payments are €131.60 per month for each of the first and second children and €165.30 per month for the third and subsequent children.

With regard to those who are over 66 years of age, the Government had committed to bringing their rate of payment into line with that of the old age contributory pension. This was achieved through a series of special increases in recent budgets and the process was completed in budget 2004. The maximum rate of both old age and widow's and widower's contributory pension is now €167.30 per week. This group of widows and widowers is also benefiting from the changes in the free schemes announced over a number of budgets.

Under these arrangements, all persons aged over 70 years of age are now entitled to the full range of schemes regardless of their means or household composition. The provisions for widows and widowers under the social welfare code will be kept under review in a budgetary context.

Question No. 203 answered with QuestionNo. 86.
Questions Nos. 204 and 205 answered with Question No. 82.
Question No. 206 answered with QuestionNo. 97.
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