Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has pledged that his party will raise the State Pension by €25 in government.

Deputy Smith commented, “Fianna Fáil will increase the State pension by €25 over the lifetime of the next government. Furthermore, we will protect the Free Travel Scheme; allocate an additional €20m to Housing Adaptation Grants and provide an additional 5 million home care hours over the next five years.

“Fianna Fáil will also ensure that those who are 65 but not yet entitled to a State pension will not have to sign on the dole. We will provide a transition payment, defer the increase in the State pension age and establish a Commission on Pensions to examine this issue.

“If elected to government, Fianna Fáil will deliver for older people. A key priority for us in government will be to ensure that older people have the income and resources that they require to live full and independent lives,” concluded Deputy Smith.