There has been a 20% increase in the number of social welfare fraud reports registered with the Department of Social Protection.

Leo Varadkar has announced a 25% increase in the Back To School Allowance in one of his last actions as Social Protection Minister.

Leo may not get the job for being too interesting and Simon may not get it for not being interesting enough, writes Alison O’Connor

Leo Varadkar has also confirmed he is working to ensure that the €5 welfare increase is paid as early as possible in March.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

A comparatively small number of people participate in the JobBridge training programme that Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar plans to replace after the summer, official figures published yesterday show.

The growing use of mobile phones has increased the problem of gambling in Ireland, contributing to hidden online activity, a new study shows.

The Government pledged a €10m emergency fund forcommunities worst hit by flooding, but it has accepted it will not be enough to meet people’s needs.

YESTERDAY evening, the minister for social protection announced a welcome change in the priority order which does away with the absolute priority of pension liabilities in limited circumstances, subject to pensioners receiving 50% of their final benefits, or €12k in pension income, whichever is greater.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has launched a defence of the Community Employment Schemes in the face of criticism from the OECD on its effectiveness.

The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has said children at risk of poverty must be protected under the social welfare system.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the Government has not considered anything in relation to Child Benefit.

The mother of a teenage boy with several medical disorders including ADHD has brought a legal challenge aimed at overturning the Minister for Social Protection's decision that she is not entitled to carer's allowance.

The three failed Fianna Fáil leadership candidates today rallied around Micheál Martin claiming he would be an energetic and capable leader.

The new leader of Fianna Fáil will be voted in today in a secret ballot. Seventy-two TDs will vote after the re-admission of Jimmy Devins last night.

I AM responding to your editorial and associated articles in relation to carers in your July 29 edition.