Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Humphreys, to the Chamber. The Bill will give effect to a number of social protection measures announced in the recent budget which relate to statutory schemes. I am aware they can only be implemented by way of primary legislation. I do not intend to elaborate on them all but the main measures of the Bill include an increase in the monthly child benefit rate to €140 from January next. An increase of €3 in the weekly payment to pensioners and carers aged 66 years and older is small but will be welcomed. Any increase for the less well off, as my colleague stated, must be welcomed.