Social Welfare Payments

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Questions (84)

Colm Burke

Question:

84. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm whether he engages with the Minister for Health when increases to social protection payments are occurring, particularly with regard to medical card thresholds and payments to older people in order that welcome increases in social protection payments would not have the unintended consequence of disqualifying a person for a medical card as a result of increased means; whether he has done so in light of recent increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

On Tuesday 7th October 2025, I announced a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures for Budget 2026.

This package included increases of €10 across social welfare schemes from January 2026, with proportionate increases for those on reduced rates, as well as for Qualified Adults.

My Department engages with officials in other Departments, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation as necessary as part of the Budget negotiations, which is a whole of Government process.

The means test for medical cards is the responsibility of the Minister for Health.

Final Government decisions on changes to Social Protection schemes are based on a variety of factors, including analyses based on demographic changes and macroeconomic factors such as inflation. All of this must be considered within the context of the resources that are available and are made by Government holistically in conjunction with changes to taxes, schemes and services delivered in other Departments, including the Department of Health.