Ireland earmarks 410 million euros for cost-of-living support

The funds will top up the 2.2 billion euro already allocated to welfare programmes in the 2023 budget

Yesterday, Irish authorities announced a 410-million-euro aid package for the most vulnerable, including back-to-school payments for parents. This development came after a 2.2-billion-euro support package to help deal with the cost of living crisis allocated through the 2023 budget.

Additionally, authorities announced an extension to the Hot School Meals Programme, aimed at primary and special schools. The programme was launched back in 2019 and was initially supposed to end in September 2022. However, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, advocated for its extension and probable expansion to feature all primary schools.

The cost of living crisis

As the prices of fuel and natural gas went up last summer, so did many consumer prices across the EU. Many countries saw double-digit inflation rates almost until the end of the year. With 2023 and gas prices starting to recede, many believe that the crisis has peaked.

This opinion was seconded by Irish Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, as the RTÉ reported. However, many people are still struggling with high costs and if fuel prices start going up again, Ireland may face another inflation spike.

The government has decided to provide an additional lump sum of 200 euros to be paid to long-term social welfare recipients in April. Additionally, people receiving Working Family Payment will get a 200-euro boost in April again. According to an official statement, recipients will still be eligible for the one-off payment even if they get multiple social welfare benefits.

For parents and children, the government has allocated an additional 100 euros per child for people receiving child benefits, to be paid in June 2023. Also, people who qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will get a 100 euro boost per child to be paid around mid-June.