Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2021
170. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied with the €5 increase given to social welfare recipients; her views on whether it is acceptable given the increase in the prices of goods in all sectors and the impact it will have on these persons already under pressure financially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51647/21]
View answerI announced on Budget day that the Government will spend over €375 million in providing a €5 increase to the weekly rate of social welfare payments from January 2022. This includes a proportionate increase for qualified adults and those on reduced rates of payment. Young jobseekers on an age-related reduced rate will receive the full €5 increase in their rate.
In addition to a general rate increase, I have provided for targeted increases in payments. This will ensure that resources are focused, in the most effective way possible, to those with limited means, who are more at risk of poverty.
For example, social welfare recipients with children will see further increases of €2 per week in respect of each child aged under 12, and €3 per week in respect of children aged 12 or over.
Pensioners and people with disabilities who are living alone will see their weekly Living Alone Allowance increase by a further €3, while all Fuel Allowance recipients will see a €5 weekly increase during the fuel season.
As a result of these targeted measures, which will be introduced in addition to the €5 increase to core rates, a pensioner or person with a disability receiving fuel allowance, and who is living alone, will see an increase of €13 per week during the fuel season, while a lone parent with two children aged under 12 will see their weekly payment increase by €14 per week during the fuel season.
I am satisfied that the total social welfare budget package of €558.3 million has been designed to protect the most vulnerable in society. In addition to the general €5 increase in weekly payments, it targets measures for those most likely to be financially vulnerable so that it delivers a real increase in their weekly income in 2022.
