The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has downplayed reports of a row in Government over increases to Jobseeker's Allowance.
There is a record package of €2.6 million in the Social Protection Budget this year, which includes an increase of €12 for all weekly welfare payments, including pensions.
It had been reported Ms Humphreys wanted increased payments for pensioners and working families, but not for jobseekers.
She said there were robust discussions - but ultimately, compromise was found.
"It was discussed, the issue, and I made the case, and at the end of the day there are three parties in Government, and sometimes you have to compromise and that's part and parcel of being in Coalition. My priority was to have the best package in place for pensioners, carers, for people with disabilities and working families," said Ms Humphreys.
Budget 2025 contains a €1.2 billion social welfare package “targeted to those with the greatest need”, according to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe, in his speech to the Dáil.
Alongside the €12 increase to weekly social welfare payments, he also doubled the carer’s allowance means test disregard for a single person to €1,250. The carer’s support grant has increased by €150 to €2,000.
Parent’s payments have increased by €15 while the increase for a qualified child weekly rates have gone up by €4 for under 12s and by €8 for over 12s.
The hot school meal programme will extend to all primary schools in 2025, including a pilot-programme for school holidays.
Mr Donohoe also announced the “baby boost” payment, where parents of a newborn are given an additional double child benefit payment in the first month of the baby’s life.
The minister also said there will be a double payment of social welfare payments for 1.4 million people in October.
The minister announced an energy credit of €250 for all households, which will be paid in two instalments – one before the end of the year and the other in 2025.
A further €300 lump sum payment will be given to fuel-allowance recipients in November, while a bonus €200 will be given to those who receive the living-alone allowance.
An extra €400 will also be given to those receiving the carer’s support grant, disability allowance, and blind pension in November.
