Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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477. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she can outline the reason a person (details supplied) in receipt of an old age (contributory) pension as a qualified dependant on her husband's pension received the October and Christmas bonus, but has been told she is ineligible for the spring bonus, and as she had previously inquired with her office but could not get an explanation. [24498/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The spouse of 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. 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.

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.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.