Tánaiste Announces Details Of Christmas Bonuses

Details of the Christmas Bonus, which will directly benefit 1.2 million social welfare customers, has been announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin.

As announced in the Budget, pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents and people who are long-term unemployed will receive a Bonus of 75% this year. Abolished in 2009 by the previous Government, the Christmas Bonus was partially restored by the Tánaiste last year and is being increased this year. 

On Monday the Tánaiste and Minister Howlin signed the Regulations which provide for the 75% Christmas Bonus to be paid.

On signing the Regulations, the Tánaiste said: "As Tánaiste and Labour Party leader, my focus is on trying to ensure we can improve things for every person, not just a few – and the Bonus will play an important role in that.

"The people of this country deserve immense credit for ensuring that social solidarity remained intact throughout the crisis, when it fractured in other countries. That solidarity is based on a simple concept – that age-old Irish tradition of looking out for someone less fortunate than yourself.

"The bonus is not just a welcome assistance to retired people at a financially stressful time of year. It also helps a range of other vulnerable people – including lone parents, long-term jobseekers, carers and people with disabilities. And important, the bonus is spent within the local economy. So it provides a boost not only for the individuals and families who receive it, but also for local businesses and the community."

(MH/CD)