I often thought that the state pension should be divided into two elements;That's because as a cohort they are rich and under taxed. There was a time when they were poor and needed support and we constructed our taxation and welfare structure accordingly. Now they are rich and don't need those supports but the structures remain the same.
A far more targeted approach is necessary. Things like free travel and medical cards should be means tested. They should pay the full rate of PRSI since it's very unlikely that they contributed enough to fund their State pension over their working life. Social transfers should be given to those who needs them, not to those who don't.
I'm sure there'll be lots of the usual "I/they worked hard all their life" entitled nonsense in response.
a) a basic minimum,, say €180 - €200pw and
b) a means-tested top-up for the remaining €70pw
I have no mathematical basis for picking the rates but its illustrative. I think Michael O'Leary has previously ridiculed that he will get the full standard rate of €253.30pw in due course. Yes, I know civil servants hate the idea of means-testing (too much work!) but the principle of paying €253.30pw to everybody regardless of their wealth seems crazy