761. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the Department is considering measures in Budget 2027 to address the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable households, including increases to core social welfare rates, enhanced supports for children, people with disabilities and one-parent families, improvements to the fuel allowance scheme, and other measures advocated by an organisation (details supplied) in its Pre-Budget Submission 2027. [64732/26]

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, people with disabilities 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. I also introduced the largest Child Support Payment increase in the history of the State, a weekly increase of €16 for children aged 12 years and over and an increase of €8 for children under 12 years.

In addition, the rate of Fuel Allowance increased by €5 from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026. Due to the increases in fuel cost, the Fuel Allowance season was also extended by 4 weeks to provide additional support to those who are in receipt in the scheme.

In determining Budget increases, consideration is given to a wide range of inputs, including CSO price data, ESRI research, the Minimum Standard Essential Standard of Living research, as well as extensive direct engagement with stakeholder groups at the Department's Pre-Budget forum and the Social Inclusion Forum.

I confirm the Department has received the pre-budget submission from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the content of this will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.