Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, says Fianna Fáil will increase the State pension while protecting pensioners over the age of 65 ensuring they will not have to sign on the dole to receive a payment.

Deputy Smith commented, “The issue of the State pension has come up on so many doors in Counties Cavan and Monaghan during the election campaign.  The confusion caused by Fine Gael’s complete mishandling of this issue has left people anxious about their pension entitlements.  Fine Gael knew this issue was coming down the road but like so many issues, this Fine Gael government were all talk with no substance.

“We need real leadership to address this issue. We will establish a Commission on Pensions to properly examine the issue.  We will also reinstate the State Pension Transition payment for people over 65 who are not yet entitled to a State pension, and while the Commission is examining the issue, the pension age will remain at 66.

“My party will also increase pension payments – by €25 a week over the next five years.  This is following on from the increases we secured in the State pension and the Living Alone Allowance under the Confidence & Supply Arrangement.

“Fianna Fáil wants to ensure that older people are properly supported so that they can have a decent standard of living. This is our commitment,” concluded Deputy Smith.