Old age pension cut in budget still open

THE decision to cut old age pensions in December’s budget was still open, according to senior Fianna Fáil minister Dermot Ahern, who insisted the cabinet is not split on the issue.

While no decision was made on pensions yet, nobody could be considered to be exempt from the bid to plug the €6 billion budget gap, he warned. But the Government would try to spread the pain evenly, he said.

Coalition partner, the Green party has characterised the issue as a “red flag” one, with deputy leader Mary White saying pensions should not be cut under any circumstances.