Raising pension to €200 is not enough

THE Government must go beyond the commitment given by the Taoiseach to the Fianna Fáil árd fheis that the State pension would be increased to €200 in next month’s budget.

An increase to just €200 would leave many pensioners below the poverty line, which is currently set at €203.55.

Mr Ahern stressed that concern for older people was at the core of Fianna Fáil’s principles. He now has the opportunity, with unprecedented funds at his disposal, to demonstrate his concern for older people by lifting them out of poverty.