Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
91. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason no additional one-off payment of one-parent family payment was included in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46426/23]
View answerI was pleased that Budget 2024 included a social welfare package worth almost €2.3 billion, the biggest in the history of the State. The package contained a balanced mixture of once-off lump sum measures set to be delivered over the coming weeks along with a significant rate increase and is combined with a targeted package to support the most vulnerable. The measures are designed to support the most vulnerable in our society with the increased cost of living and the measures have a particular focus on tackling child poverty.
This extensive package includes measures in relation to the One Parent Family Payment which is a payment for lone parents, under 66, whose youngest child is under age seven.
In December, recipients of One-Parent Family Payment will receive a lump sum payment of €100 in respect of each child for whom they receive an Increase for a Qualified Child. In addition, recipients of One-Parent Family Payment will be amongst those who receive a Christmas bonus double week payment in December and a cost-of-living double week payment in January.
Lone parents in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will receive a lump sum payment of €300 in November. Every household will also receive three energy credits of €150 each which are due to be paid by April 2024.
Approximately half of the payments of the €400 cost of living lump sum payment, which will be made to recipients of the Working Family Payment in November, will be made to lone parents.
I have also provided for a €12 increase in the personal rate of working age payments such as One-Parent Family Payment. This will increase the personal rate from €220 to €232, per week from January. In addition, the rate of Increase for a Qualified Child will increase by €4 to €46 per week in respect of a qualified child under age 12 and by €4 to €54 per week in respect of a qualified child aged 12 or over from January. As a result, these rates will have increased by €10 for under 12s and by €14 for over 12s over the last four Budgets.
This wide array of measures clearly demonstrates the huge focus the Government has placed on assisting people and families with the cost of living.
A preliminary Social Impact Analysis undertaken in relation to the Budget 2024 Social Protection package shows a very progressive impact of the Budget package, with lowest income deciles benefitting most.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
