208. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection whether persons on Fás, CE and Tús schemes will be eligible for the cost-of-living payments announced in Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40715/24]

The Department of Social Protection operates a number of employment support schemes, including Community Employment (CE), Tús, and the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), for long-term unemployed persons which also assist communities across the country in the provision of vital services.

Budget 2025 was designed to assist recipients of Social Protection payments through a mix of lump sum payments and increases to weekly payment rates.

I can confirm that CE, Tús and RSS schemes qualify for the cost of living bonus payments, including the double week in October and Christmas bonus. The payment of a double week for other schemes, such as further education and training programmes, is a matter for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.