I would like to speak on behalf of those in Carlow and Kilkenny who are in receipt of the State pension. As we all know, State pensioners worked hard their entire lives. They paid into the pot to ensure that they have in income to help them sustain not an extravagant lifestyle in retirement but to have enough in order that they do not have to worry unnecessarily about household bills and everyday essentials in their later years. Bearing in mind that their income is fixed and in light of the ongoing war in Iran that is looming large on the horizon, many of the State pensioners I have spoken to in Carlow and Kilkenny over the past couple of weeks are genuinely worried about how they are going to manage in the winter time. I have spoken to my party leader about this matter, but I want to ask the Taoiseach directly if the Government will commit to prioritising a significant increase in the State pension in budget 2027. Will it prioritise a targeted support package for the duration of the war for, in particular, State pensioners in order that they can enjoy their later years?

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