Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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397. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who received the April bonus payment of €200 but did not receive a second payment of €200 for their spouse, who is a qualified adult on his pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21260/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is in receipt of a State Pension (contributory) payment from my Department which includes an Increase for their Qualified Adult.

The Government is acutely aware of the effect that high energy prices and the cost of living are having on families, businesses and the most vulnerable.

In addition to the substantial package of supports provided in Budget 2023, earlier this year the Government announced a €470 million package of measures to help social protection recipients including families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

The Spring Cost of Living Bonus is one of the range of measures put in place. It is one lump sum payment of €200 for each eligible person in receipt of a primary payment in their own right. The €200 lump sum payment was paid week commencing 24/4/2023 to over 1.2 million people in receipt of long-term social welfare payments at a cost of approximately €250 million.

If a person receives more than one qualifying social welfare payment, they will receive only one €200 lump sum payment. Each eligible primary recipient of a social welfare payment receives €200, regardless of the number of dependents (qualified adult or children) if any, or other social welfare payments.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.