Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
116. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of increasing the State pension (non-contributory) to €228 per week and the State pension (contributory) to €245 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41379/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of Budget 2016, the maximum personal rate of the State Pension Non Contributory (SPNC) is increasing by €3 in January 2016, from €219 per week to €222 per week. The cost of increasing SPNC by an additional €6 to €228 per week is €30.1 million in a full year, including proportional increases for qualified adults.
The maximum personal rate of the State Pension Contributory (SPC) is also increasing by €3 in January 2016, from €230.30 per week to €233.30 per week. The cost of increasing SPC by a further €11.70 is €249.4 million in a full year (including proportional increases for qualified adults, and for those on reduced rates).
One of the aims of the social welfare Budget package for 2016 was to increase supports for pensioners aged 66 and over. More than 676,500 pensioners and their dependants will benefit from the €3 increase in the weekly rate of payments to all social welfare recipients aged 66 and over. This is the first weekly rate increase for pensioners since 2009 and builds on the increase in the Living Alone Allowance last year. This is the first general rate increase for pensioners since 2009.
I was also pleased to reintroduce a Christmas Bonus payable at 25% of the weekly rate last year. This year I am in a position to provide a 75% Christmas Bonus payment for all welfare recipients, including pensioners. For example, in the case of a pensioner couple, both in receipt of the non-contributory State Pension, it will mean a bonus payment of €328.50.
In addition, pensioners eligible for the Fuel Allowance will gain from the increase in January of €2.50 per week, from €20 to €22.50 per week over the fuel season.
Funding for the Free Travel scheme, which benefits a large number of pensioners, is being increased by €3m, from €77m to €80m, to meet increased numbers eligible for the scheme and therefore fully protect entitlements under the scheme.
Finally, pensioners who have income over and above their social welfare pension may also benefit from the USC changes introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
