The Budget 2023 announcement is fast approaching with the public looking forward to a package of support aimed at cushioning the cost of living crisis.
Most homes will benefit from the incoming support for electricity, heating, groceries, and more while the Government has also reportedly opted to hold off its usual price hikes on the likes of alcohol and cigarettes. Ahead of the official announcement on Tuesday, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has given an update on social welfare payments.
Speaking on RTE's This Week programme on Sunday, she confirmed that social welfare recipients will get an increase in next week’s Budget - but she ruled out one particular aspect. Social Justice Ireland have been advocating for a €20 increase to core social welfare payments but Minister Humphreys has ruled this out.
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She said that such an increase would cost over €1.5 billion, which would mean less for targeted measures - such as a fuel allowance increase. The Minister described the proposed €20 hike as "very ambitious," and said it would mean that there will not be money left for other measures.
"No matter what we do, it will never be enough," she added. She also told the programme that a double child benefit payment is under consideration.
The Government is finalising how it will dish out a massive €10 billion in budget bonuses. The bonanza will be funded primarily from buoyant tax returns this year which are ahead of schedule and should see a surplus of more than €6 billion for the year.
The Budget will see measures worth almost €6.5 billion announced on Tuesday, while a separate cost-of-living package is tipped to give back at least €3billion into people’s pockets.
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