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

I thank Deputy Gannon for raising this matter. I recognise the challenges that the increased cost of living has brought to many households. The Parliament is very well aware of the pressures faced by households and has not been found wanting.

Last September, I announced the largest social protection budget in the history of the State, comprising measures worth almost €2.2 billion. This budget provided a combination of eight lump sum payments and a €12 across-the-board increase in weekly rates – the largest such increase since the mid-2000s – along with targeted increases to payments such as the fuel allowance. These increases were on top of other measures taken in advance of the budget, including energy credits, a fuel allowance lump sum in spring 2022 and an increased back-to-school clothing and footwear payment. Other measures taken by the Government include reductions in transport fees and the waiving of examination fees for second level students.

Even ignoring these additional measures, ESRI analysis has found that budget 2023 delivered for lower-income households, who were found to be better off than if they had just received an inflation-indexed increase in basic rates.

This year, on top of the budget measures, we provided a further €410 million in additional supports to households in need. This included a €200 lump-sum payment in April, a €100 child benefit lump sum paid last month and an additional payment of a €100 back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance per child, which will be paid from next week.

I value and support the work of the minimum essential standard of living, MESL, research centre. As the Deputy may be aware, its work is funded by my Department and has a valuable input into our policy-making process. The Deputy may be aware that the Department runs a pre-budget forum each year at which stakeholders and advocacy groups, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, have an opportunity to meet me and present their proposals for measures they would like to see included in the budget. This year's forum is to be held on 19 July.

Decisions about budget 2024 will be made in the coming months. In working with my ministerial colleagues, I will continue to take account of the recommendations of the stakeholders and I look forward to responding to changes in the cost of living. The Deputy can be assured that, again, this Government will not be found wanting.

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