In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend some €1.3 billion this year on cost-of-living supports to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
The €500 lump sum payment to those on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension was paid to those receiving these payments earlier this month.
However, recipients of State Pensions, who receive a higher weekly rate of payment, were eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment paid last month, and also the Christmas Bonus in December.
Other targeted payments which those receiving a State Pension may be eligible for are a €200 payment to people in receipt of Living Alone Allowance and a €400 payment to those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.