In speaking about the summer economic statement the Minister for Finance twice said the cost of the social welfare Christmas bonus this year was included in the base. I am rather surprised by that because I certainly cannot find it in the accounts of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Minister did not mention the Department’s Estimate but just said “it is in the base”. If it is not included in the accounts of the Department, where is it included? Will the Tánaiste reassure pensioners, lone parents, carers and people with disabilities that the Government intends to pay the Christmas bonus and explain from where it will be paid? The most recent Irish Fiscal Advisory Council report stated that in 2019 provision had once again not been made for the Christmas bonus. In a footnote to the report, it is stated the current practice is a poor approach to managing the public finances. Where is the Christmas bonus provided for? Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Government does not intend to abolish it and that it will pay it?

As a former Minister for Social Protection for five years, the Deputy should know that the practice has not changed one single bit since she was in the Department.