Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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132. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will increase the rural social scheme top-up of €5 announced in Budget 2023 to €20 to keep pace with current inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53774/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend €1.3 billion this year on cost-of-living supports to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

Participants on the Rural Social Scheme are eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment paid last month, and the Christmas Bonus in December. Those participants with children were also eligible for the Double Payment of Child Benefit earlier this month.

As part of Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce a €12 increase in weekly payments from next January. This will apply to Rural Social Scheme participants. I am also increasing the Qualified Child rate by €2 per week.

In addition, I am increasing the top-up rate on employment schemes by €5 per week. This means that, combined with the rate increase, participants on these schemes will see a rise of €17 per week next year, and more for participants with adult or child dependents.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.