Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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835. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she agrees the decision not to extend the one-off payment of €500 to those in receipt of the State pension is discriminatory, given those in receipt of the State pension are also in need of financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63201/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, I announced on Budget Day that my Department would spend approximately €1.2 billion on social welfare measures to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

This included a range of double payments and lump sum payments that were targeted at those who are most vulnerable including older people, families, carers and those living with disabilities. 

The €500 lump sum payment to those on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension was paid to those receiving these payments in the relevant week in November.

Recipients of State Pensions were eligible for the October double payment and the Christmas Bonus.

In November, my Department paid a range of cost of living supports, which included:

- A €400 lump sum payment to all households in receipt of Fuel Allowance, many of whom are pensioners.

- An additional €200 Lump Sum Payment to all persons in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance, the majority of whom are pensioners.

At the start of this month, there was a €12 increase for all weekly schemes, including State Pensions.  As there is a proportionate increase for adult dependants, this means that the basic increase for a two-adult household receiving the State Pension (Contributory) is €22.80 per week.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.