The Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty, has seemingly indicated that the upcoming Budget will not realistically allow for an increase to social welfare payments despite doing so in previous years.
Speaking at a pre-Budget forum at Dublin Castle today with the Minister of State Finian McGrath, Ms Doherty heavily suggested that the payment increase will not be on the cards as there is only €800m to spend.
Ms Doherty who also spoke of child poverty, said that her and the Government’s main focus should be on eliminating the ongoing issue of poverty amongst children across the country.
Currently there are 112,000 children living in consistent poverty, and Ms Doherty has stated that the growing issue must be addressed quickly.
Although the Social Protection Minister ruled nothing out, she did state that the cost of Social welfare payments increase would come to a total of €343m.