Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the 2019 capital envelope for health, €174 million has been provided, bringing the total capital allocation to €670 million for next year.

Tobacco

I am increasing excise duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes by 50 cent, with a pro rataincrease on other tobacco products. This will bring the price of cigarettes in the most popular price category to €12.70.

I am also increasing the minimum excise duty on tobacco products so that all cigarettes sold below €11 will have the same excise applied as cigarettes sold at €11.

Accountability

I will continue to look at choices that we have to make in healthcare regarding how we can accompany all-time high levels of investment with improved governance, accountability, effectiveness and value for money.

SOCIAL WELFARE

I will now turn to social welfare. Last year, I was in a position to increase all weekly social welfare payments and I am pleased to announce that I can do so again in 2019. In addition to a €5 per week increase in all weekly social welfare payments from next March, I am also pleased to be able to fully restore the 100% Christmas bonus payment to all social welfare recipients this year.

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