Labour has today welcomed comments from Senator Dan Boyle that the Green Party could not support a cut in State pension payments.
Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív has indicated high-earners in receipt of State pensions will face a cut in the budget.
“The protection of low-paid pensioners and workers in my view would be far ahead of those who are receiving very large salaries in full-time employment and also are entitled to the State pension,” he said.
Posting on Twitter, Mr Boyle said that talk of a State pension cut was "getting out of hand". He said he was not expecting such proposal and it would be opposed by his party if proposed. However, Mr Boyle said second pensions may be examined over a high threshold.
Responding, Labour spokesman on social protection Roisin Shortall said: "The uncertainty that Éamon Ó Cuív has generated in this matter, is already causing acute anxiety among pensioners across the country.
"While Dan Boyle has added some clarity to this matter, it is now incumbent on the Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív to put this issue to bed and to rule out once and for all, any prospect of a reduction in the old age pension."
Noting the State contributory pension is granted on the basis of social insurance contributions, she said it was "entirely unreasonable" the Government would now deprive people of something they have already paid for.
Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Greens should stand over its opposition to a cut in the old age pension even if that meant bringing down the Government.
“Since entering Government in 2007 the Green Party has missed plenty of opportunities to make a stand on issues of principle. . . . However I welcome today’s commitment from Dan Boyle," the party's social and family affairs spokesman said.
Mr Ó Cuív did not rule out an across-the-board reduction in the State pension but said he was “concerned that pensioners are upset by loose talk that is absolutely removed from any reality”.
The Minister said pensioners should be protected “as far as possible” in December’s budget. “My priorities for savings are the reduction of fraud and that those in our society who can best carry the burden, and that goes irrespective of age”.