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

As Minister for Social Protection, I fully recognise the challenges the increased cost of living has brought to many households. Last September, I announced the largest social protection budget in the history of the State, comprising measures worth almost €2.2 billion. The budget was innovative in providing a mixture of eight lump sum payments, delivered in late 2022, and a €12 across-the-board increase in weekly rates, which was the largest such increase since the mid-2000s, along with increases in targeted schemes such as the fuel allowance. Analysis by the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, found that budget 2023 delivered for lower-income households, which were found to be better off than if they had just received an inflation-indexed increase in basic rates. In February, we provided a further €410 million in additional supports to families in need.

In recent weeks, the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice produced its annual report, funded by my Department, on the minimum essential standard of living. On 19 July, I will meet with that organisation and many other stakeholders, as I have said, at our annual pre-budget forum. This is an opportunity to get their views on what changes should be included in the budget. In recent years, this process of engagement has informed the higher-than-inflation increases in the child dependant allowance, the living alone allowance, the fuel allowance and other payments. Those payments were identified as having the most impact in alleviating poverty. Decisions about budget 2024 will be made in the coming months and, again, I will rely on the inputs from stakeholders to inform the measures I bring forward for the Government's consideration.

I note and welcome the statement by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, along with recent economic analysis from bodies such as the ESRI, which recognises how well the Irish economy is performing, even in the face of challenging headwinds on the international front. Given this strong economic performance and the care the Government has taken in managing its finances, we have the capacity to respond to those headwinds. I assure Deputies that the Government and I will not be found wanting in providing support to those in our society who most need it.

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