PRESS RELEASE

Budget Delivers For Old Age Pensioners

Pensioners will benefit greatly from this years Budget with the £10 increase in the Old Age Contributory Pension raising pensions to £106 per week, said Cork North Central Deputy Billy Kelleher. "The Old Age Pension is the main source of income for many of our elder citizens. In our last election manifesto we promised that we would increase the old age pension to £100. The priority that this Government attaches to older people can be seen from how we have exceeded our election promises one year ahead of time. These weekly increases are payable four weeks earlier than usual from April 2001," said Deputy Kelleher. "There are other welcome measures for older people in the Budget. People aged 70 and over will be entitled to Free Electricity, Free Telephone Rental Allowance and Free Television Licence, regardless of their circumstances from May 2001. The weekly income disregard from the Fuel Allowance has also been increased from £30 to £40 enabling a greater number of older people to qualify for the payment. The payment period for the Fuel Allowance, has also been extended by three weeks making it payable now from the first week in October to late April," he added. Deputy Kelleher continued, "in addition medical cards are being extended to all people over 70 with some 24 million being made available next year for improved community support for carers, community nursing aid and day care services. Furthermore £8.7 million is being provided for improvement works and housing aid for elderly persons." "Pensioners have also benefited from the Government unprecedented tax package. The income tax exemption limit for people aged 65 and over has been increased by £1,000 single and £2,000 married to £38,500 single/£17,000 married," he said. "I congratulate Minister Mc Creevy for producing a Budget that does so much for the elderly," concluded Billy Kelleher T.D.