Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection and Limerick City General Election candidate Willie O’Dea says pensioners will not lose out under proposals being put forward by his party.
Deputy O’Dea explained, “Fianna Fáil recognises that the increase in the State Pension age has caused a considerable degree of stress and financial hardship for older people and we will immediately act on this if elected to government.
“Under our proposals, people aged 65 will receive a State Pension (transition) which will be paid at the same rate as the State pension of €248 per week. This payment will not be means-tested but entitlement will be based on an individual’s employment record. In contrast Fine Gael will only pay those who are 65 a payment of €203 a week, which will result in an annual loss of €2,340 for this age group.
“Furthermore, Fianna Fáil will defer the increase in the State pension age which is due to increase to 67 in 2021 and we will set up a Commissions on Pensions to examine this issue.
“Fianna Fáil has a strong record on supporting older people. I want to be very clear on this – if given the opportunity to be in government, those aged 65 and over will not be financially disadvantaged under our proposals. Fianna Fáil is committed to comprehensively addressing this issue and ensuring that fairness is at the heart of the pension system”.
