Government agrees on major increase in cost of living package including two double payments of child benefit at Budget meeting

The Government leaders have finalized a significant increase in the cost of living package, raising its worth from an initial €1.5bn to €2bn, focusing on enhancing welfare rates.

Minister Heather Humphreys advocated for a €15 increase across all welfare rates, except for the jobseeker allowance for the long-term unemployed, showcasing her commitment to social welfare enhancements.

Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed his instinctive agreement with proposals from Minister Humphreys, suggesting higher increases for pensions, carers allowance, and disability payments compared to jobseeker allowances.

Discussions encompassed improving healthcare with funding for 350 new acute hospital beds and extending the Help to Buy scheme, reflecting the government’s emphasis on both welfare and housing.

Read at Irish Independent