Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
52. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures being taken to support low-income households in rural constituencies such as Galway east in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including fuel, transport and childcare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31111/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing poverty levels is a priority for the Government. For Budget 2026, the Government prioritised targeted permanent measures to those who need it the most in order to lift as many people as possible out of poverty and deprivation. The Programme for Government reflects this recognition that we must target resources where they are needed most.
This year, the Government will invest €28.9 billion in social protection measures across the country. This includes more than €1.15 billion in new measures, including an investment of €320 million in social protection increases dedicated to alleviating child poverty.
Our investment this year includes a significant €10 increase in the rate of weekly payments provided. This is coupled with targeted measures, which are proven to apply resources where they are most needed - for example extended eligibility and increases in Fuel Allowance, and the largest ever increases in the Child Support Payment.
I firmly believe that the combined effect of these measures will alleviate poverty levels and support people across the country.
As part of Budget 2026, the rate of Fuel Allowance increased by €5 from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026. This alone provided an additional €140 during the annual fuel allowance season to help offset the impact of increasing energy costs. We also extended entitlement to Fuel Allowance to recipients of the Working Family Payment, and since March over 40,000 additional low income households now receive Fuel Allowance due to this measure.
In March, the Government also approved an extension of the 2025/2026 Fuel Allowance season by four weeks until the week ending 1st May 2026, as part of the temporary and targeted measures to help those most vulnerable to rising energy costs.
These decisions reflect the Government's clear priority to protect the most vulnerable households, and to ensure that social welfare recipients maintain, and where possible, improve their standard of living.
I will continue to monitor price developments carefully and will engage with stakeholders in advance of Budget 2027. Protecting the living standards of those dependent on social welfare will remain a key consideration in future Budget decisions.
