It is completely unacceptable that poverty levels and enforced deprivation rates are rising for pensioners at a time when the Government has billions at its disposal, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the consistent poverty rate for those aged 65 years and over was 3.4 per cent last year compared with 2.0 per cent in 2024. That’s a staggering 70 per cent increase in just one year.
“Similarly, the enforced deprivation rate rose from 7.7 per cent in 2024 to 9.8 per cent last year.
“Pensioners across Ireland now live in fear of paying for the basic necessities including bills and food. This is particularly jarring considering the Spring Economic Forecast shows that the Government has billions at its disposal.
“The general Government surplus is expected to reach €9.2 billion this year, up from the €5.1bn surplus that was projected on budget day last year. An extra €4.1 billion is rolling into Government coffers while pensioners choose between heating and eating.
“A Government that cannot care for its elderly when it has billions at its disposal can only be considered an abject failure.
“The Social Democrats have put forward a proposal for a €400 targeted energy credit for households earning less than €70,000 a year. Pensioners being pushed into poverty urgently need emergency relief.”
April 23, 2026