2115. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to ensure that core social welfare rates are sufficient to meet the minimum essential standard of living; and if he will consider increasing core social welfare rates by €15 per week in Budget 2027, in line with the recommendation of an organisation (details supplied). [63911/26]

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.

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.

It is not all about the headline rate. Our social protection system also provides a range of targeted secondary supports, such as the Living Alone Allowance, the over 80 Allowance, Adult Dependent Allowances, Child Support Payments and the Fuel Allowance, which are provided to people dependent on their particular circumstances and unique needs. Therefore, tailored targeted support is a feature of our social protection system.

I continue to work to develop appropriate Social Protection measures as part of considerations for Budget 2027, including increases to core rates. Any increases to income supports would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context as part of Budget 2027.