Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
359. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated first year and full year cost of expanding the basic supplementary welfare allowance threshold by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. [46598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
As it is a means tested payment that takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property-other than the family home-and capital, the payment can have a wide range value.
On this basis, it is not possible to provide an estimated first year and full year cost of expanding the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance threshold by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
