Clare Older People's Council Chair Doubtful Of €20 Pension Increase In Budget

Clare FM

The Chair of Clare's Older People's Council is doubtful a long-term commitment will be given on a 20 euro a month increase to the pension. Finance Minister Jack Chambers has indicated that a substantial package of support for pensioners and those least well off in society will be included in the pre-election budget. Older people's representative groups have called for a 20 euro monthly pension boost, amounting to a 1.5 billion euro additional cost, however Minister Chambers hasn't confirmed that's something he's considering. Older People's Council Chair, Maurice Harvey believes given the projected population increases for the coming years, the Government will be slow to give a long-term commitment, but he's confident pensioners will be better off after this year's budget.