The Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has warned those who are hoping for an increase in their welfare payments not to expect much movement in the upcoming Budget.
Mr Varadkar said he see’s no drastic changes in regards to welfare payments as the current “fiscal space” available to the Government is tight and what funding available is being prioritised in the area of housing and justice.
Mr Varadkar said: “There will be negotiations about a budget in September and we all have our priorities in that space, but scope is limited.”
“The fiscal space is about €1 billion, of which €660 million is for spending,” he added. “And that has to be shared out among other priority areas, including education, as well as housing, justice and social protection as well.
“So, needless to say, the scope for increases in benefits or new benefits is limited. But I will be doing my best to secure as good a budget as I can.”