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

Last September, I announced the largest social protection budget in the history of the State, providing more than €2.2 million in supports. This was in recognition of the pressures facing households due to the increasing cost of living. In addition to the substantial package of supports provided as part of the budget, in February I announced a further €410 million spring bonus package of social protection measures. The €200 cost-of-living bonus payment made in April is one of a range of these supports. This €200 lump sum was paid for each eligible person who had an entitlement to a primary payment in their own right. The payment was made in the week commencing 24 April to more than 1.2 million people in receipt of long-term social welfare payments at a cost of approximately €260 million.

The Government provided the €200 bonus last month as part of an overall package of measures that has been provided throughout 2022 and into this year. This programme of measures includes both broad measures, such as rate increases, and targeted measures, which support certain groups in society. Delivery of these measures is continuing throughout 2023, with upcoming supports in the programme targeting children through the delivery of measures in respect of child benefit, the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance and school meals as we come into the summer.

My Government colleagues and I have clearly stated we are keeping the cost of living under review and have acted decisively, as necessary, time and again.

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