'Raise pension more than dole'

TANAISTE Simon Harris has suggested the rate for those receiving Jobseeker's Benefit should not increase as much as the pension rate in the Budget.

- BY LOUISE BURNE Political Correspondent

It comes as Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe warned choices will have to be made in Budget 2026.

In the last budget, Fine Gael had sought to increase the Jobseekers' payment and the pension by different amounts.

However, there was pushback by the Green Party and, to a lesser degree, Fianna Fail.

Government sources told The Star that it is too early to make any decisions on any budget matter, noting that the Summer Economic Statement has yet to be published.