The government's moved to shoot down suggestions that pensions could be cut in October's budget, but commentators say it's likely the State benefit is under discussion.
Weekend reports suggested the government is considering cutting the old-age pension by around €10 a week, to make savings of up to €300-million.
The government needs to meet a €3.1-billion budget day target - with the annual cost of the payment to elderly retired people standing at €5.3-billion a year.
Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney dismissed the reports and said the government hadn't discussed the issue.
Fionnan Sheehan, political editor with the Irish Impendent told Newstalk's Breakfast it's highly likely the coalition are considering it as a cost cutting option: