TDs ‘would support’ extra €5 a week for pensioners

A proposal to give pensioners an extra €5 in the budget is expected to get the backing of TDs in election mode, in a move that would cost €150m next year.

Coalition sources say there is no surprise that a ‘social dividend’ in the form of welfare or pension increases are being considered for the budget, as Fine Gael and Labour prepare for their election campaigns.

The Department of Finance has confirmed research which shows a €5 rise in the contributory and non-contributory pensions would cost €114m for a full year.