Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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262. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address concerns raised regarding reports that the Christmas bonus is to be cut in 2018; if she will clarify the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40283/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Christmas Bonus was abolished in the 2009 Supplementary Budget and was partially reinstated as a 25% payment in 2014. This increased to 75% in 2015 and the Bonus was paid at 85% in 2016 and 2017.

The decision to pay a Christmas Bonus, and the rate of payment, is usually made as part of the Budget process. The cost of paying an 85% bonus, as in 2016 and 2017, is estimated at €220.3 million.

As in previous years when a Bonus was subsequently paid, the Department's estimates do not include the cost of a Bonus payment. However, I recently announced that a Christmas Bonus will be paid this year.

The decision regarding the payment of a Bonus in 2018, including the rate at which it is to be paid, has to be consistent with the legal requirements set out in the domestic Fiscal Responsibility Acts 2012 and 2013 and the targets set for Ireland by the EU Stability and Growth Pact.