THE STATEMENT by Green Party chairman Senator Dan Boyle that the party would not support a cut in the State pension has been cautiously welcomed by Opposition parties as well as groups campaigning on the issue.
In a message on Twitter yesterday the Green Party chairman siad: “Talk of State pension cut is getting out of hand. I’m not expecting such a proposal and if made the Green Party would not support it.”
Mr Boyle said later that the matter had been discussed “in general terms” at last Wednesday’s meeting of the Green parliamentary party. As Green spokesman on social protection he had “responsibility for defining party views in this area”.
“I’m talking about the rate of the State pension here. The question of pensions in addition to the State pension and persons on higher incomes can and should be open to consideration.
“The impression has been given that it’s about cutting the rate of the State pension and, as far as the Green Party is concerned, we don’t want to be associated with the idea that the State pension is being cut across the board, and I don’t think that is the intention.”
He did not think Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív had formulated an opinion in this area so far: “We don’t think he is close to making any proposals.”
A spokeswoman for the Minister said: “Decisions regarding the budget are made collectively by Cabinet and of course the Greens as members of Government will have input.”
Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews said: “I don’t expect that the Government would or could cut the pensions on older people. I would not support that.”
Patricia Conboy of the Older Bolder campaign group welcomed Mr Boyle’s statement and hoped “neither himself nor ourselves will be tested by a firm proposal as opposed to a kite being flown”.
Chief executive of Active Retirement Ireland Maureen Kavanagh said Mr Boyle’s statement offered “some reassurance” to retired people, but she added: “Minister Ó Cuív’s kite-flying has caused huge anxiety and fear among our membership.”
Ms Kavanagh said: “We will resist any attempt to allow the Government pursue a reduction in State pension payments.”
Labour spokeswoman for social protection Róisín Shortall said“it is now incumbent on the Minister to put this issue to bed and to rule out once and for all any prospect of a reduction in the pension”.
Fine Gael TD Olwyn Enright said that if the Greens were genuinely against a cut, John Gormley and Eamon Ryan “should immediately make a public statement in order to reassure the thousands of pensioners who now fear for their future”.
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed Mr Boyle’s “commitment” that his party will not support any proposal to cut the State pension. “The Green Party should resist any pressure from . . . Fianna Fáil and stand over Dan Boyle’s promise even if this means bringing down the Government,” he said.