Parties pit pension policies ahead of election- FG vs FF

With a little over a fortnight to go, election fever is taking grip. Just over an hour after Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys joined An Taoiseach to launch Fine Gael’s plans for Supporting Older People, promising an increase in the State Pension by €1,300 per year by 2021, rival party Fianna Fail revealed their own scheme, gazumping their rivals by €5.

Eager to win the 'grey vote' with a package of promises, Fine Gael say if re-elected back into Government that they will increase the State pension by €25 in the state pension over five years, and furthermore cap prescription charges at €17.50. The plan also enhances supports for older people to help them live independently in their own homes.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said: “Fine Gael wants to ensure that older years are better years. I know from meeting older people in Cavan and Monaghan that they want a greater sense of security in the years ahead.”

She added: “I believe Ireland can be one of the best countries in the world in which to grow old. We can achieve this if we keep the recovery going and create the resources to support better public services. It is important that we safeguard and improve State entitlements for older people as the economy continues to improve.”

But Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Sligo-Leitrim-West Cavan-South Donegal Marc Mac Sharry differs in opinion, saying that despite their claims to have protected older people, the actions of Fine Gael and Labour “tell a very different story”.

Sen Mac Sharry says his party will raise the State Pension, both the Contributory & Non-Contributory, by €30 over the lifetime of the Government.

They also aim to raise the Living Alone Allowance to €15, scrap water charges and abolish prescription charges.

“There has been a raft of harsh and regressive cuts and measures that have directly affected the incomes of older people in the North West. Older people have seen a fivefold increase in prescription fees, changes to the eligibility criteria for medical cards, the axing of the telephone allowance, reductions in the vital Household Benefits Package, the abolition of the Bereavement Grant and the introduction of water charges,” Sen Mac Sharry said.

He concluded by saying: “We will create a fairer society and we will ensure that under our watch older people are given the resources that they need to live full and independent lives. It’s time we established a threshold of decency in our society.”