Press release
Social Welfare Bill passes all stages of Oireachtas following approval by Seanad
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty has announced that the Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill 2019 has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas today (Tuesday, 17 December), and will now be presented to the President for signing.
Today’s final stage in the Seanad paves the way for the introduction of the Budget increases of €171 million next year for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which will have a total budget of €21.2 billion in 2020.
The Bill, when enacted, will provide for increases for people most at risk of poverty and is focused on improving the economic and social wellbeing of children and families through a range of targeted and enhanced supports.
Marking the passage of the Bill, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, T.D. said:
“This legislation reflects the Government’s commitment to funding and making adjustments to those elements of the social welfare code that can deliver the greatest impact in terms of alleviating poverty for those groups most at risk.
I am particularly pleased to build on the foundations of recent years by continuing to provide for a better deal for families, particularly those on low fixed incomes.”
Key features in the Bill, passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, include:
• Increased weekly payments for each qualified dependent child - €2 for children under 12, and €3 for children aged 12 and over
• The Living Alone Allowance will increase by €5 per week, benefitting over 200,000 vulnerable people
• An extra €2 in the weekly Fuel Allowance payment, benefitting some 370,000 households
• Working Lone Parents on One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment can earn an extra €15 per week, up to €165, and keep their full payment.
ENDS