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

The Department of Social Protection wants people to know about these schemes and take them up. They are in place to help people. As the Deputy knows, we have supported people. Budget 2023 included a social welfare package of almost €2.2 billion. There was a double weekly payment in October, a double child benefit payment in November and a Christmas bonus double payment in December. There was also a €500 cost-of-living lump sum payment to recipients of the working family payment in November and a €40 increase in the weekly income threshold for the working family payment. That all helps.

The personal rate of working age payments, such as one-parent family payment, was increased by €12, from €208 to €220 per week in January. We also increased the qualifying child rate to €42 per week in respect of a qualifying child aged under 12 and to €50 per week in respect of a qualifying child aged 12 and over. In order to help families, I also am trying to expand the school meals programme. I was delighted I was able to include that in the last announcement. All DEIS primary schools will be included in the hot school meals programme.

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