I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 141 together.
The Christmas bonus was paid last week to over 1.2 million long-term social welfare recipients at a cost of circa €65 million.
The Bonus was introduced in 1980 and was paid annually (at varying rates) until it was abolished in 2009. I was pleased to be in the position to partially restore the bonus this year. A 25% bonus (subject to a minimum payment of €20) was paid to the beneficiaries of all schemes to which the bonus previously applied. It should be noted that Illness Benefit recipients were never eligible for the bonus in the past and this condition continues to apply this year.
It should be noted that persons who are permanently incapable of work may be entitled to the PRSI contribution based Invalidity Pension, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions. Persons who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment due to medical reasons may be entitled to the means tested Disability Allowance, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions. Recipients of the latter payments are eligible for the Christmas Bonus, as well as additional benefits including Free Travel and the Household Benefits package.