Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
261. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the recent RSS and Tús top-up of €5 in Budget 2023 to at least €12 to keep pace with other social welfare payments. [52480/22]
View answerIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, I have secured a package of almost €2.2 billion for Social Protection measures as part of Budget 2023. This represents the largest Budget package for the Department of Social Protection in the history of the State and will help to support our pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and families during this difficult period.
As part of this package, I announced that weekly social welfare rates will increase by €12 from January 2023. I also announced that the top-up paid to participants on the Rural Social Scheme and Tús schemes will also increase by €5, to be paid in addition to the €12 increase in core weekly rates.
I am happy to clarify for the Deputy, therefore, that participants on the Rural and Social Scheme and Tús will benefit from both measures - a combined €17 in their weekly payment rate.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
