I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 to 375, inclusive, together.
The estimated cost in 2017 and in a full year of a €5, €10, €15 and €20 increase in the weekly rates of payment for social welfare payments to those aged 66 and over is detailed in the following table. The cost includes increases to all schemes which are paid to those aged 66 and over, including the state pension contributory, state pension non-contributory, widow/er’s contributory pension (aged 66 and over), carer’s allowance (aged 66 and over), death benefit pension (aged 66 and over), disablement benefit (aged 66 and over) and deserted wife’s benefit (aged 66 and over).
Weekly Increase
|
Cost
€m
|
€5.00
|
153.8
|
€10.00
|
307.6
|
€15.00
|
461.4
|
€20.00
|
615.2
|
The estimated cost in 2017 and in a full year at €1 intervals up to €10 of increases in all working age payments is detailed in the following table.
Weekly Increase
|
Cost
€m
|
€1.00
|
42.8
|
€2.00
|
85.5
|
€3.00
|
128.3
|
€4.00
|
171.1
|
€5.00
|
213.9
|
€6.00
|
256.6
|
€7.00
|
299.4
|
€8.00
|
342.2
|
€9.00
|
384.9
|
€10.00
|
427.7
|
All of the above costs (for pensioners and working age) include a proportionate increase for recipients with qualified adults, where applicable.
The estimated cost in 2017 and in a full year at €1 intervals up to €10 of increases in child benefit is detailed in the following table.
Monthly Increase
|
Cost
€m
|
€1.00
|
14.7
|
€2.00
|
29.3
|
€3.00
|
44.0
|
€4.00
|
58.6
|
€5.00
|
73.3
|
€6.00
|
87.9
|
€7.00
|
102.6
|
€8.00
|
117.2
|
€9.00
|
131.9
|
€10.00
|
146.5
|
The costs shown above are on a full year basis and assume that, where relevant, each increase is implemented from the beginning of January. It should be noted that these costings relate to 2017 and are subject to change over the coming months in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2017.