Cost of Living Issues
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-15
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Dara Calleary (FF), Mayo

That is why we have delivered. Deputy O'Reilly has raised child poverty in particular. I have mentioned and reiterate the record increases in the child support payment, which goes to those on the lowest incomes. There is €1.15 billion in new measures for 2026 in the Department. The child support payment, to reiterate, increased by €16 per week to €78 for children aged 12, which is a 26% increase in the child support payment, and increased by €8 to €58 for children under 12, which is a 16% increase. The total annual value of the child support payment is €3,000 for each child under 12 and over €4,000 for each child aged 12 and over. That goes to those specifically on the lowest incomes. As we discussed earlier, we have also increased the fuel allowance by €5 per week, which is a 15% increase. We will continue to work with the Department of housing in relation to supports offered through rent supplement for housing costs.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:30+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-15