Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

The social welfare package announced today involves the expenditure of a total of €630 million in a full year. The Government will continue to evaluate public expenditure in a way which allows it to free up resources to direct them to the areas which are most in need. It has done so today.

The level of additional benefits announced today by the Minister for Finance is well ahead of the rate of inflation. The Minister announced a €10 increase in the full personal rate of old age and related pensions.