Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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1460. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reasoning around keeping jobseeker’s allowance and supplementary welfare allowance at its current rate given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20498/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Budget 2025 was, for the second year in a row, the largest social protection budget in the history of the state. It supported individuals and families throughout society via a diverse range of supports including across the board increases to primary social protection weekly rates, targeted ongoing measures and once-off cost of living payments.

These rate increases included a €12 increase in the weekly rate of payment for both Jobseeker's Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance, matching a similar increase previously provided for under Budget 2024.

These rates become effective from January this year.

The Programme for Government reflects the Government's commitment to reduce poverty and social exclusion. I have recently launched a public consultation for a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion. The new roadmap will be a successor to the current Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 and will be key in assisting the Government deliver on its Programme for Government commitments by supporting those most at risk of social exclusion.

It should be noted that any decisions in respect of measures for Budget 2026 will be considered in an overall budgetary context.