The Minister for Social Protection said across-the-board welfare increases may not feature
Minister Heather Humphreys said increased tax and increased income were required to be able to fund increases in social welfare. Photograph: MaxwellsHopes were also rising for further lump sum payments following the popularity of similar measures in the last budget.
Asked about reports that Government backbenchers want a €20 increase in the pension in Budget 2025, she said: “I absolutely agree that pensioners should be prioritised in this budget along with carers and people with disabilities. As we do every year, we will work out a budget that is targeted at those most in need. Given the fact we are at full employment, I am not sure if there is a policy rationale for increasing the payments on those who are long-term unemployed.
She said there was not a policy rationale for increasing payments for people who are long-term unemployed.“I think it’s important to remember that lump sum payments were introduced at a time when inflation was running at a very high rate and thankfully, inflation has dropped considerably since then. However, the cost of going to the supermarket is still expensive, groceries are expensive. There’s no doubt about that. And lump sums have proved very, very popular.
Asked about the suggestion of cutting inheritance tax, she said: “I need increased tax and increased income to be able to fund increases in social welfare. Inheritance tax is something that has always been a feature of our taxation system but I do know that the Minister for Finance is looking at this but that’s something you’ll have to ask him.”
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