The estimated costs of increasing weekly social welfare payments by €5, €7 and €10 respectively are presented in the table below:
General Rate Increase
|
Cost (€m)
|
€5
|
347.3
|
€7
|
486.3
|
€10
|
694.4
|
The costs shown above are on a full year basis and are based on the estimated number of recipients in 2019. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2020.
It should also be noted that these costings include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.