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

The ESRI estimates the combination of budget 2023 and cost-of-living supports will protect most households from inflationary pressures over the coming year, more so than if welfare rates alone had been increased in line with inflation. It concluded that this will substantially cushion real incomes across society The ESRI has said it will make a difference and that what we have done in the budget will help households deal with the inflationary pressures.

On the child maintenance review, I have met with and spoken to the chair and she has gone through the review in detail. I found our conversation very useful. I have spoken to my colleagues, the Ministers for Justice and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, because there are issues relating to both of their Departments. I will have further discussions with them in the coming days and will bring a report to Government in the next few weeks.

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