Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

These rate changes are all significantly higher than inflation and show that the Government has met its commitments in the programme for Government and the social partnership agreements. The total cost of all the increases in the social welfare rates that I have just announced is €973 million in a full year.

Other social welfare measures

In addition to providing for these very substantial general increases, the Government is introducing a wide range of other social welfare improvements, the full details of which will be announced by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

To recognise the role of carers in our society in helping the old and infirm within their own homes, I have agreed to pay a half rate carer's allowance to certain recipients of other social welfare payments.

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