I propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 224 and 225 together.
As part of the annual budgetary process, my Department engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to agree the level of expenditure required to carry out existing functions in the following year, prior to the introduction of any new Budget measures. This is referred to as the "Existing Level of Service" (ELS). ELS funding provides for the maintenance of services and schemes into the following year on a 'no policy change' basis.
Most of my Department's schemes and services are demand-led, and as such, the ELS estimates for the next year are for the most part informed by financial and claim performance on schemes in the year to date.
The estimates published on Budget Day reflect both the agreed ELS estimates and any additional funding allocated as part of Budget 2026, where applicable. For example, additional funding has been allocated to most social protection schemes in 2026 to provide for the €10 increase for weekly paid schemes, as well as the increases to the Child Support Payment.
The funding allocation for schemes and services within the Disability Support Services subhead in 2025 is €26.55 million. However, taking into account the actual level of expenditure in the year to date, it is not currently envisaged that the full 2025 allocation will be spent. The 2026 allocation provides for an increase in expenditure in 2026 relative to current expenditure levels.
The funding allocations for Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Additional Needs Payments in 2025 are €137 million and €80.6 million respectively. However, taking into account expenditure trends in the year to date, it is not currently envisaged that the full 2025 allocation will be spent on either scheme.
Expenditure on both schemes is demand-driven. The 2026 allocations are in line with current expenditure levels and the projected full-year outturn in 2025, with additional funding of €8.6 million for Supplementary Welfare Allowance to provide for rate increases announced as part of Budget 2026.
As is the case with the majority of my Department's schemes, the actual number of beneficiaries of both schemes in 2026 will be determined by the number of applicants who meet the qualification criteria in the year ahead.
