St Vincent de Paul ‘relieved’ at increase in pension

The Saint Vincent de Paul has said it is relieved that the Government has helped pensioners out of the poverty trap by raising both the contributory and non-contributory pension.

But spokesperson Audrey Deane was shocked at the "paltry" increase in energy allowances for older people and low-income families.

“We can't believe that there has not been a more robust approach to helping people with their energy costs, particularly those dependent on gas and electricity.”

“A €4 in the fuel allowance is not going to do a lot for low-income families, and we're just really shocked at that,” she said.