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

If people are running into problems, they need to look to the essential needs payment. It is there and is available. Anybody who has a problem with their mortgage, before getting into any deep difficulties, should go to the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, MABS. It is a free service and the staff give good advice and will advocate on people's behalf. Deputies should send people to MABS.

I do not have any plans for my Department to start funding soup kitchens. We want to support individuals.

On Deputy Dillon's question, as I said, ESRI data show the budget package will insulate most households from rising prices next year. Carers will get the two double payments at Christmas and in January, a €400 lump sum in November and a €12 weekly increase in January. All in all, there will be approximately an extra €30 a week for carers. People on disability allowance will get approximately €2,020 over the year, which works out at an extra €39 per week. These provisions protect those on the lowest incomes. On top of the rate increases and the lump sums, I was pleased to get Government approval for the other important measures. I forgot to mention the extension of child benefit for 18-year-olds in full-time education. I received a lot of positive feedback on that measure. Some people are disappointed it will not kick in until the start of the next school year but the good news is the change is happening.

See this speech in context