Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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226. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the basic Social Welfare rate from €188 to €195 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34560/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is understood that the Deputy is referring the cost of an €7 per week increase in social welfare rates paid at a maximum personal weekly rate of €188.

The €188 weekly rate applies to the following schemes:

- Jobseeker's Benefit & Allowance

- Farm Assist & Pre-Retirement Allowance

- Back to Education Allowance& Back to Work Allowance

- One Parent Family Payment, Widow/er's/Surviving Civil Partner (Non-Con) Pension & Deserted Wife's Allowance

- Disability Allowance & Illness Benefit

- Blind Pension & Incapacity Supplement

- Health & Safety Benefit & Injury Benefit

The cost of increasing these rates by €7 to €195 per week in 2016 is approximately €229.6 million in 2016 and in a full year. This includes the cost of proportionate increases for qualified adults.

The cost in 2016 and in a full year of applying the €7 increase per week to all social welfare payments paid to persons aged under 66 years of age (including people on employment schemes, such as community employment) is approximately €303.8 million. This also includes the cost of proportionate increases for qualified adults.

These costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2016.