Willie O’Dea predicts ‘robust’ Budget discussions with FG

Fianna Fáil social protection spokesman Willie O'Dea has said there will be "robust discussions" between his party and Fine Gael before Budget 2017.

“We are determined to stick to our commitments. There will be intense discussions pre-Budget, hard talking to be done,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.

Fianna Fáil is calling for a €5 increase in the weekly old age pension payment but they have been criticised by the majority government party for looking for measures outside of what was previously agreed.

“Pensioners have been the hardest hit in the last few years. The €3 extra last year is not enough. A further €7 is needed to get back purchasing power.”

The Limerick City TD said the Fianna Fáil election manifesto called for an increase of €30 over the lifetime of the Government while Fine Gael suggested €25 in their manifesto.

He added that in the programme for Government both sides agreed to honour the pension promise.

“The best place to start with such an increase is year one and €5 is the very minimum. We don’t have a government that will last five years so this needs to start now.”