99. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will commit to increasing the core baseline of social welfare rates such as the child support payment, to address the issues of poverty in the next Budget rather than relying on temporary measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46149/26]

As Minister for Social Protection, I am committed to making the case for a fair budget that protects the people most in need in our society - particularly families on low incomes and people, including pensioners and carers who are dependent on social welfare payments.

That is why, as part of Budget 2026, I announced a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures, including a €10 weekly increase across social welfare schemes from January 2026. Also announced was the largest Child Support Payment increase in the history of the State which included an increase of €16 for children aged 12 and over and an increase if €8 for children 12 and under.

In determining Budget increases, consideration is given to a wide range of inputs from bodies such as the ESRI and the latest research from the Vincentian MESL Research Centre, along with the most recent Consumer Price Index data and other statistics published by the CSO.

In July, at my Department's annual pre-budget forum, I will meet stakeholders with a view to continuing this progress. I will listen to their priorities for the forthcoming Budget. This will be a key input to Budget formulation and the measures that I will bring forward for consideration of Government, particularly in the context of the Programme for Government's commitment to protect core welfare rates.