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

As I just said, given that the Government has approved an approach on pension payments, potential benchmarking approach to other social welfare payments will, of course, be examined.

Regarding the MESL, my Department has used this research as a key input into consideration of budget options in recent years. I value the insight this research provides and it will form part of the consideration of next year's benchmarking review. Improved access to services such as the extension of the GP-visit cards for children and the affordable childcare scheme can result in significant reductions in the minimum income standards needed by households. In this respect, the MESL relates to issues wider than just social welfare rates and it would not be appropriate to carry out a review in isolation. However, consideration of MESL will be included in the review that I mentioned earlier. On this basis, I have already committed to preparing a report on benchmarking and indexation of social welfare rates and that will be done. I am happy to do that report.

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