Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
94. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost in 2026, if the maximum rate of disability allowance were increased to €258.50 per week; if the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) were increased to €315 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50725/25]
View answerThe estimated annual cost of increasing the maximum rate of Disability Allowance from €244 to €258.50 is €139.1 million.
The estimated annual cost of increasing the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory from €289.30 to €315 is €732.8 million.
Changes to rates of individual schemes in isolation from the wider programme of working age and pension schemes would risk the introduction of unintended consequences.
It should be noted that these costings include a proportionate increase for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant.
These costings are based on the estimated average number of recipients in 2026, and are subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.
