231. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of increasing all social welfare payments by €5, €10, and €15 each year from 2026 to 2030. [43784/24]

The estimated full year costs of increasing all social welfare payments in 2025 are as follows:

• €5 increase: €381.3m;

• €10 increase: €762.4m;

• €15 increase: €1,143.8m.

The costs shown above are on a full year basis and are based on the estimated number of recipients in 2025. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2025.

It should also be noted that these costings include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant.

It is not possible to estimate for subsequent years out to 2030 due to lack of information on future recipient numbers, which will be affected by a number of factors including demographics and the economic cycle.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.