Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We try to target the resources where they have the most impact. However, if we increased the rates to meet the MESL, it would cost €2.4 billion more in one year for working-age payments. That would be lot of money. It would be a considerable increase.

We have taken measures to address the cost of living. For example, €100 is being paid out this week for the fuel allowance on top of the €125 lump sum in March, and that allowance was increased by €5 per week in the budget. When one adds all those together, it is up by 55% to 60% this year compared with last year. We also have the €200 universal energy credit. Mr. Seamus Coffey, a respected economist, commented on the SILC report. He said that incomes are up and income inequality is down. The at-risk-of-poverty rate, levels of deprivation and consistent poverty are also down. That is positive.

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