Terence Flanagan
Question:30. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48854/14]
View answerThursday, 18 December 2014
Questions (30)
Written answers
The Department will spend €230 million this year on the household benefits package for approximately 415,000 customers.
There were no changes to the household benefits package or the fuel allowance arising from Budget 2015. The living alone allowance has been increased to €9 per week, benefiting 177,500 people at a cost of €12 million. A 25% Christmas bonus will benefit over 1.16 million people at a cost of €63.5 million.
I am confident that these measures will continue to meet the needs of those most in need.
I have no plans at this time to increase the household benefits package. Any decision to increase the package would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.
Question No. 31 withdrawn.