BUDGET 2017: Statement by Willie Penrose, TD

• Pensioners getting less of an increase this year than in 2016
• Labour provided a bigger increase to pensioners in 2016 than that provided in the 2017 FG-FF Budget
• No increase in Child Benefit provided in Budget 2017 while all other major payments going up
• Social Welfare budget only increased by 1%
• Under 26s getting only €2.70 extra a week

Labour TD and Spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie Penrose, said: "When you add up the figures announced in the Budget, it's clear that pensioners have been sold a pup."

"For 2016 taking the increase in the Christmas bonus from 25% to 75%, the €2.50 a week increase in the fuel allowance and the weekly €3 increase, Labour in government ensured the average older person benefitted by a total increase of €336.10 this year.

"For 2017, the 10% bump in the Christmas bonus and a €5 weekly pension increase from 1 March is worth a total of €245.60 for the average older person.

"Fianna Fáil called last year's increase an insult. They should let us know whether they think a smaller increase this year is also an insult.

"This year's do-nothing budget also provided no increase for Child Benefit while all other major payments are increasing, and the overall Social Protection budget has increased by only 1%.

"The limited rollout of an extra dental benefit consisting of a scale and polish provides little return on the 4% PRSI workers are paying.

"Those on jobseekers allowance under the age of 26 are only being provided with a €2.70 per week increase when the decent thing to do would be provide everyone with €5 a week."